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COMPLETE HISTORY 



OF THE 



MARQUIS DEJLAFAYETTE, 

XKEAJOn 6EN£RAIi 

!N THE 

ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, 

IN THE 

^av ot the lElrtioltttCon; 

SMBRACIirO 

AN ACCOUNT OF HIS LATE 
TOXJB. THHOVOH THE UXTZTED STATES 

TO THE TIME OP HIS DEPARTUBE, 
September, 1825. 



BY ^^ 

AN OFFICER IN THE LATE ASMY.y^^^0^2L3:^>^ 




NEW-YORK: 

PRINTED FOK.AND PUBLISHED BY.ROBERT LOWRY, 
JVu. 144 Borcery, 

1826. 



COMPLETE HISTORY 



MARIE PAUL JOSEPH ROCH YVES GILBERT 
MOTIER 

MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 



This distinguished character was bora on the sixth of 
September, 1757, in the province of Auvergne, now com- 
prising the two departments of Cantal, and Puy-de-Dome, 
and a part of la Haute Loire. His birth-place was the 
Chateau de Chavagnac, situated about six miles from the 
ancient town of Brionde. The province of Auvergne is 
celebrated for the valour and independence of its inhabit- 
ants, from the earliest times. His ancestors ranked among 
the first people of the province, and had ever been conspi- 
cuous for their independent spirit, and chivalric contempt 
of danger. The Marechal de Lafayette, once the terror 
of the British, is distinguished in the annals of France ; 
and his relation, Madame de Lafayette, was a lady of ex- 
tensive literary celebrity. Inheriting the spirit of his fa- 
thers, he became the early advocate of political freedom, 
and imbibed the most ardent attachment to the principles 
of rational liberty. 

Between the age of seven and eight years, he was placed 
at the college of Louis le Grand at Paris, v/here he re- 



4 HISTORY OP THK 

ceived an excellent education. In the year 1772, at the 
age of fifteen, he was enrolled among the Mousquitaires, a 
corps instituted for the protection of the royal person, and 
composed of young men of the most illustrious extraction. 
Previous to this time, he was made one of the pages of the 
Queen of France. The mildness and affability of his man- 
ners soon attracted the universal esteem of his new com- 
rades ; and the immediate influence of royalty, in a short 
time elevated him to the rank of a commissioned officer, a 
favour exclusively reserved for the most illustrious scions 
of nobility. 

The Mousquitaires du Roi had for a long time been a 
costly establishment ; and although such a noble guard was 
highly flattering to the dignity of the sovereign, yet the ex- 
pense attending it was severely felt, and frequently regretted. 
The suppression of it had been repeatedly agitated ; but 
no minister had yet been found sufficiently hardy to venture 
on a reform, which menaced him with the resentment of the 
most noble families of France. This instance of political 
fortitude was reserved for the Count de St. Germain, 
who enforced to Louis XVI. the considerable savings that 
might be applied to the efifective marching battalions, from 
the reduction of a corps which was the offspring of pagean- 
try. An edict was accordingly published, in the year 1 775, 
for the suppression of the Mousquitaires. 

Those brave men, whose courage had always been cele- 
brated, received the news of their dismission with the deep- 
est marks of sorrow and despair. Attached to each other 
by similarity of habits, and cemented in friendship by com- 
mon dangers and services, they regarded the order which 
decreed their separation, with feelings of real and undis- 
guised grief. M. de la Chaise, a veteran officer of tried 
resolution, and one of their commanders, fainted on re- 
ceiving the fatal mandate ; and the whole corps vented their 
sorrow in the loudest and most poignant exclamations. But 
the King and his ministers were inexorable — and, it is said, 
that the capital was not sorry to be delivered from a corps. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. i; 

whose impetuous and aristocratic spirit too frequently in- 
sulted the more humble class of citizens, hi the year 1 774, 
he married Anastasie, a daughter of the illustrious house 
of Noailles, celebrated for her virtues, courage, and conju- 
gal affection. The history of female virtue and female he- 
roism, presents nothing more rare in excellence than the 
life and character of Madame Lafayette. It will be found 
in the sequel, that she was worthy of the hero to whom she 
was united. Such characters, said Charles Fox, speaking 
of this admirable pair, should flourish in the annals of the 
world, and live to posterity, when kings, and the crowns 
they wear, must have mouldered in the dust. His union 
with the young Countess de Noailles increased the annual 
revenue of the Marquis de Lafayette, to two hundred thou- 
sand francs. At this time a general peace in Europe in- 
flicted a painful restraint on his enthusiasm for militarj fame, 
and condemned him to a state of inactivity, w hich little ac- 
corded with his ardent and enterprising disposition. The 
enjoyments of affluence, and the luxuries of the court, were 
unable to subdue the spirit of his sires which animated his 
bosom. The same spirit which guided his galla father to 
a soldier's death,* on the disastrous plains of Minden, glowed 
with equal purity and vigour in the breast of his noble de- 
scendant. He appeared at the French court to which his 
rank had called him, while yet a boy. Too young to be 
insensible to its pleasures, but too noble to be tainted by its 
corruptions, he obstinately refused a place, voluntarily of- 
fered to him, as the stepping-stone to such honours as cour- 
tiers eagerly solicit.! -He had already, at the age of sixteen, 
felt and acknowledged another vocation. — The Sta. .f 
political liberty was, at that period, observed rising brightly 

* The father of General Lafayette was killed at the battle of Minden. 
It is a curious fact, tliat his death was occasioned by a shot from a battery • 
commanded by the same General Phillips, to whom his son was opposed in 
Virginia, in the year 1781. 

+ Lady Morgan's France, p. 316. 



HISTORY or THE 



in the west, and Lafayette was among the first who went 
forth from a distant land to worship it. At this period of 
his hfe, the Marquis de Lafayette was a noble looking man. 
notwithstanding his deep red hair. His forehead, though 
receding, was fine, his eye clear hazel, and his mouth and 
chin delicately formed; exhibiting beauty rather than 
strength. The expression of his countenance was strongly 
indicative of a generous and gallant spirit, mingled with 
something of the pride of conscious manliness. His mien 
was noble, — his manners frank and amiable, — his movements 
light and graceful. Formed both by nature and education, 
to be the ornament of a court, and already distinguished by 
his polished manners and attractive qualities, in the circle 
of his noble acquaintance, his free principles were neither 
withered by the sunshine of royalty, nor weakened by flat- 
tery and temptation. 

Among the various nations of Europe, all more or less fa- 
vourable to the American cause, and detesting the tyranny 
of England, none signalized themselves more. than the 
French. The desire of vengeance, the hope of retrieving 
its losses, the remembrance of ancient splendour, the an- 
guish of recent wounds, all stimulated the French govern- 
ment to side with the colonists in their struggles against 
oppression. The interest which France took in the contest, 
plainly indicated at its commencement, that the projects 
then in agitation in her councils would not long be con- 
cealed. 

Exclusive of the national and hereditary inveteracy of the 
people towards the English, they believed them to be acting 
an unjustifiable part towards the Americans. Hence they 
considered themselves doubly authorized to assist the latter ; 
and were prompted by motives of justice as well as of 
policy. In fact, the government only awaited the maturity 
of events, and a propitious occasion, openly to espouse our 
cause.— The nation was acquainted with the disposition of 
ftte ministry ; and, as no people are more susceptible of mv 



MARQUIS DE I.APAYETTE. « 

nrcssions from those in power than the French, the cause of 
America found among them the most ardent and ingenious 
advocates. 

The operation of many other causes concurred to the 
same effect. AUhough the people of France had been ac- 
customed to live under a very absolute system of govern- 
ment, they have uniformly testified a particular esteem for 
such men, and for such nations as have valiantly defended 
their liberty against the usurpations of tyranny. When 
they are not led astray, and, as it were, transported by their 
exorbitant imagination, their character is naturally benevo- 
lent and gentle: they are always disposed to succour the 
oppressed, especially when they support their ill fortune 
with constancy, and endeavour to surmount it with courage. 
There is a national tendency in favour of great and glorious 
enterprises : such was the cause of America ; and such 
w^ere the general sentiments of the French towards them. 

At this period, moreover, those writers who in all coun- 
tries, bift particularly in France, had treated on political 
subjects, had manifested themselves the advocates of a libe- 
ral mode of government, and thus the opinions prevalent at 
that time were extremely propitious to civil liberty. Nothing 
can more evidently prove the spirit of that epoch, than the 
eager request for those writings, and the still more rapid 
dissemination of the principles they contained. When the 
news of the commotions which agitated America arrived, 
in all social circles, as well as in numerous publications 
which daily appeared in France, the Americans were the 
objects of boundless culogiums ; their cause was defended 
by the most forcible arguments, and justified by a multitude 
of illustrious examples. If indeed, at the period when 
France, after the cession made by the republic of Geneva 
had undertaken the conquest of Corsica, many were found 
among the French who professed themselves the apologists 
of those islanders, and ventured openly to condemn the 
determination of their own government to subdue them,— 
it may well be imagined that the partisans of America were 



y HISTORY OF THK 

much more numerous, and demonstrated an enthusiasm still 
more ardent. It would be ditlicult to describe the excessive 
joy, — the vast hopes that were excited by the convocation 
of the first American Congress. The names of the deputies 
were extolled to the skies : let them hasten (it was every 
Avhere said,) to shake otT the yoke of English despotism, 
to sever the bonds of servitude ; let them establish civil 
liberty in their country ; and let them serve as a perpetual 
example, that princes cannot without peril violate the 
fundamental law of their states, or attack with impunity the 
privileges and immunities of their subjects.* While Louis 
XVI., who had not long before mounted the throne, was 
not indiiferent to the internal regulation of his own king- 
dom, he constantly directed his attention towards America; 
and watched with anxiety, the commencement and conduct 
of a contest which hourly became more important, and 
in the event of which, the humanity and interest of Euro- 
pean powers were deeply concerned. Each day seemed to 
establish more tirmly the jurisdiction of the states ; their 
privateers overspread the seas ; and Louis, while he pro- 
fessed to the court of London a strict neutrality, afforded to 
our vessels a secure refuge in his harbours, where the prize 
goods were bartered for the arms and ammunition so neces- 
sary for the support of our cause. The exultation of the 
French people had been openly and constantly proportioned 
to the success of the Americans. The princes of the blood 
and the chief nobility were eager to embark in the cause 
of freedom ; and the prudence of the king and his most 
confidential ministers, alone restrained their ardour. The 
fatal events of the last war were still impressed on the mind 
of Louis XVI. ; and he could not readily consent to expose 
his infant marine in a contest with a people who had so 
frequently asserted the dominion of the seas, and so lately 
broken the united strength of the house of Bourbon. Yet 
he was sensible that the opportunity of humbling Great 

- Bottfi's War of Independence, vol. i.p. 204. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTK. 9 

Britain ought not to be entirely neglected, and that some 
advantages should be taken of the existing commotions in 
America. Although all audience in a public capacity. 
was denied to Silas Deane and Dr. Benjamin Franklin, 
who had successively arrived at Paris as agents of the United 
States, still they were privately encouraged to hope that 
France only awaited the proper opportunity to vindicate in 
arms, the freedom and independence of America. 

In the mean-time the military preparations in France 
were diligently continued, the American cruisers were hos- 
pitably received into her ports ; artillery, and all kinds of 
warlike stores were freely sold, or liberally granted to re- 
lieve the wants of the Colonists ; and French officers and 
engineers, with the connivance of the government, entered 
into their service.* The king was not ignorant that the 
remonstrances of Great Britain, and the importunities of 
the agents of the United States would soon compel him to 
adopt some decisive line of conduct. He had been closely 
questioned by the English ambassador. Lord Stormont, 
respecting the warlike preparations which were diligently 
continued throughout the kingdom, and replied, that at a 
time when the seas were covered with English fleets and 
American cruisers, and when such armies were sent to the 
new world as had never before appeared there, it became 
prudent for him also to arm for the security of the colonies 
and the protection of the commerce of France. On the 
other hand, he was assailed by the entreaties, remonstran- 
ces, and address of Dr. Franklin, whose exertions for ob- 
taining the powerful aid of the French government, were 
only equalled by his abilities in the prosecution of his duty. 
" In judging of the past, from our knowledge of the events 
that have ensued," says Madame de Stael, " most people 
will be of opinion, that Louis XVI. did wrong in interfering 
between England and America. Although the indepen- 
dence of the United States was desired by all liberal minds, 

* Gifford's Hist. France, 41.o, vol- iii- p. 469. 



li'l HISTORY -OF THE 

Ihe principles of the French monarchy did not permit the 
encouragement of what, according to these principles, must 
be pronounced a revolt. Besides, France at that time, had 
no cause of complaint against England; and to enter on a 
war wholly on the ground of the habitual rivalship betw^een 
the two countries, was bad policy in itself, and more detri- 
mental to France than to England : for France, possessing 
greater natural resources, but being inferior in naval power, 
was certain of acquiring additional strength in peace, and 
as certain of being weakened by a maritime war. M. 
Necker laid before the king the strongest motives for the 
continuance of peace, and he who has been charged with re- 
publican sentiments, declared himself hostile to a war, the 
object of which, was the independence of a people. He 
certainly wished every success to the noble cause of the 
colonists ; but he felt on the one hand, that war ought never 
to be declared without positive necessity, and on the other, 
that no possible concurrence of political results could coun- 
terbalance to France, the loss she would sustain of the ad- 
vantages she might derive from her capital wasted in the 
contest."* 

Happily for America, and happily for the common cause 
of free and enlightened principles, the majority of the 
French people were not disposed to consider as a waste of 
capital those means which were employed in the defence 
of rational liberty, the humbling of a haughty nation, and 
the chastisement of a hereditary foe. The arguments of 
M. Necker proved unavailing ; and the king decided for 
war. The motives for this measure were undoubtedly 
strong, and the government was exposed to great difficulties 
in either alternative. The time was approaching when the 
words of Hume, in relation to Charles I., might have been 
applied to Louis XVI. He found himself in a situation 
where faults were irreparable ; a condition too rigorous to 
be imposed on weak human nature. Whether it be admitted 

"*■■ De Stael, Consid. French Revolution, vol. i. cli. vii. p. 88. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. II 

or not, and it can hardly be denied that the success of the 
American revolution tended to the dreadful convulsions 
which overturned the throne of France, and filled the land 
with wailing and lamentations ; it is certain that the French 
nation derived no advantage, and suffered serious injury 
from their participation in the contest. It was not, hoAV- 
ever, until the capture of Burgoyne in October, 1777, that 
the French government formally threw aside the vail which 
had but slightly covered their opinions and proceedings in 
favour of America. The success of the colonists on that 
occasion, was received at Paris with unbounded exultation. 
M. Sartine, who presided over the marine department, 
was impatient to measure the naval strength of France with 
that of Great Britain ; and universal enthusiasm reigned 
throughout all classes of society. The queen, who had 
long favoured the applications of the agents of the United 
States, now espoused the cause with less reserve, and with 
increased ardour. The phlegmatic temper, and pacific dis- 
position of the king were overborne by the reiterated zeal, 
imperceptible but weighty, of the numerous body of philo- 
sophers which pervaded every rank of life, by the sugges- 
tions of his ministers, and by the influence of his royal con- 
sort ; and it was at length determined openly to acknow- 
ledge the independence of the United States of America. 

The situation of Europe, at this juncture, was particu- 
larly favourable to the determination of the king of France. 
Differences between the court of Petersburg and the Otto- 
man Porte respecting the Crimea, threatened a revival of 
the hostilities* which had been so lately adjusted ; and thus 
even if the empress were willing, precluded her from afford- 
ing assistance to Great Britain. The flames of war had 
been rekindled between the houses of Austria and Branden- 
burg ; Spain, by the family compact, was bound to accede 
to the designs, and to strengthen the arms of France ; Por- 

* Gifford's Hist. Ffance, vol. iii, p. 474. 



12 HISTORY OF THK 

lugal, bj her late treaty with Spain, had formed an intimate 
union with the house of Bourbon ; while Holland, pursuing 
those pacific maxims which the policy of commerce die- 
tates, avoided every overture which appeared likely to in- 
volve her in the war, which now extended to the principal 
powers of Europe, and transferred to her peaceful ports, all 
the advantages of trade and neutrality. Louis XVI., thus 
satisfied that he had nothing to apprehend from the principal 
powers of Europe, devoted his whole attention to the ap- 
proaching contest with the ancient rival of his kingdom. 

His councils had been long suspended on the manner of 
procedure proper to be adopted with regard to America. 
The constant declarations of the British ministry appeared 
to be corroborated by the numbers of the Colonists that 
joined the royal army ; a much more numerous body was 
known to have adopted a passive but suspicious neutrality ; 
and the progressive steps by which they had arrived to a 
complete declaration of independence, accompanied in 
every stage by liberal offers of accommodation from the 
Colonists, and the most confident rejection of every mea- 
sure short of absolute submission, tended to enforce an 
opinion in the cabinet of Versailles, that the great body of 
the Americans were not earnestly disposed to an irrevocable 
separation from Great Britain. But the contest daily as- 
sumed a more serious and effective form, and the private ac- 
tivity united with the address and sagacity of Dr. Franklin, 
removed every impression which retarded the decisive and 
effectual measures of France. Dr. Franklin and Silas 
Deane, who had hitherto acted only as private agents, were 
now publicly acknowledged as ambassadors from the United 
States to the Court of France ; and, in the month of Fe- 
bruary, 1778, a treaty of amity and commerce was signed 
between the two powers. This treaty and the formal ac- 
knowledgement (by France,) of the independence of the 
United States of America, was communicated to the minis- 
ters of Great Britain, in the itionth of March, by the Duke 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 13 

de Noailles, ambassador to the Court of London ; and the 
recall of Lord Stormont from Versailles was the signal for 
the commencement of hostilities. 

But the spirit which prevailed throughout all ranks and 
denominations in France in favour of the Americans, could 
not be confined, or regulated by the slow and cautious rules 
of policy. It burst forth long previous to the fortnal ac- 
knowledgement of our rights by that government, and was 
chiefly manifested by rejoicings at the success, and sorrow 
for the failure of our arms. It was among the military 
classes that this ardour was eminently conspicuous. The 
Irish brigade, so famous for the services it had rendered to 
France, especially in its wars with Great Britain, furnished 
a number of brave officers to America. Nor were the other 
French regiments deficient in this spirit of general adven- 
ture in the cause of the colonies against the parent state. 
Numbers of the young nobility of France were eager to sig- 
nalize themselves in the noble cause of liberty against op- 
pression. Among others, Roche du Fermoy was in the 
army that acted against Burgoyne; Baron St. Ovary was a 
volunteer in the service ; De Coudray, an officer of rank in 
the French army, was drowned in the Schuylkill a few days 
after the battle of Brandywine, in his eagerness to cross it 
in order to join the army of Washington, which was reported 
to be on the point of engaging ; the Chevalier Duplcssis 
Mauduit displayed the greatest bravery at Germantown 
and Red Bank, and was assassinated at Port-au-Prince ; the 
heroic gallantry of Lieutenant Fleury at Stony Point, can 
never be forgotten *, De Buysson was not less brave ; Baron 
de Kalb possessed a pure and disinterested patriotism, 
which led him to danger and a glorious death. Other parts 
of Europe also supplied our armies with brave and expe- 
rienced officers, through whose assistance they daily im- 
proved in discipline and military skill. Germany in par- 
ticular, a country that from the perpetual quarrels amongst 
its own sovereigns, and the many wars of which it had in 



14 HISTORY OF THE 

latter times been the unhappy scene, abounded in military 
men, more than any other part of Europe, contributed her 
share of heroes for the defence of America. 

It is a tribute of justice due to our French allies, to ob- 
serve, that during the course of the revolution, they gene- 
rally endeavoured to harmonize with our citizens, relin- 
quishing on most occasions, their own modes and prejudices, 
to conform themselves to the manners and customs of Ame- 
rica. The extent to which their desire to please and con- 
ciliate was carried, is exemplified in the following anecdote : 
— General M'Intosh was presiding at a court-martial, and de- 
sirous of administering an oath to a French officer, inquired 
of what religion he was ? he answered quickly, " The Ame- 
rican, Sir ;" thinking, undoubtedl), that it was a duty to con- 
form, as much as possible, to the religious opinion of the 
people in whose cause he had drawn his sword. And this 
appears the more probable, because time being allowed 
for reflection, and the question varied by substituting " what 
faith" instead of what religion, he exclaimed, " c'est bien 
une autre affaire : Roman Catholique Apostolique, mon 
General."* It is almost needless to touch upon their bra- 
very ; they were Frenchmen, and enthusiastically attached 
to the opinions imbibed in favour of liberty and republican- 
ism. Their intrepidity was exemplary, and gave them daily 
new claims to the admiration and gratitude of the people^ 
whose rights and properties they had pledged themselves to 
defend : some, however, acted from more ignoble motives. 
But among these, none were so conspicuous for the splen- 
dour of rank, the fascination of his personal qualities, and 
the purity of his political principles, as the Marquis de La- 
fayette. Born under a despotic regime, he saw nothing in 
his own country to employ a young and enthusiastic mind. 
North America — sorely oppressed, demanding justice in 
vain, her complaints rejected, her petitions unheeded, her 
murmurs disregarded — attracted his attention. She was be- 

* Gorden's Anecdotes, p. 206. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 15 

ginning to feel the sacred impulse of liberty ; she Vas 
stretching and unfolding her half-fledged wings, doubting 
her powers, dreading her adversary, and wavering between 
submission and despair. She was in the infancy of her 
strength, when Lafayette, animated with the glorious cause, 
left all the luxuries and indulgences of home, to cross the 
Atlantic, and offer himself to the Americans as a champion 
and a friend. Animated by the enthusiasm which generous 
minds are accusto;ned to feel for great enterprises, he es- 
poused their cause with a partiality common to almost all 
the men of that time, and particularly to the French. He 
considered it not only just, but exalted and sacred : the af- 
fection he bore it was the more ardent, as independently of 
the candour of his character, he was of that age in which 
good appears not only good but fair, and man not only loves, 
but is enamoured.* 

When the destinies of America were tottering on the 
brink of destruction ; when a triumphant enemy was over- 
whelming the Jerseys with deeds of desolation ; when even 
the firmness of Washington was shaken, the young and gal- 
lant Lafayette resolved to cast his bread upon the waters, 
and mingle in a conflict which appeared almost desperate 
in the eyes of united Europe. He espoused the cause of 
this country, when it had not a single acting advocate beyond 
the waters of the Atlantic. At that period, the represen- 
tations in France relative to the state of American affairs, 
were most deplorable, and sufficient to repress the most de- 
termined zeal. The army of Washington was represented 
as a mere rabble, flying before thirty thousand British regu- 
lars : nor was this far from the reality. The route and car- 
nage at Brooklyn, and the consequent evacuation of Loog- 
Island, had given, indeed, a gloomy aspect to the affairs of 
America. The continental troops had heretofore manifested 
a great degree of intrepidity, from a confidence arising from 
the persuasion of their superiority over the enemy. The 

*■ Trotter's Life of Fo3(, p. 186. Rotta's War Independ, book viii. 



16- HISTORY OF THE 

goodness of their cause, their early and habitual use of fire- 
arms, had been carefully inculcated and nourished by all 
their preceding experience. But when, by a course of evo- 
lutions, in which they imagined they perceived a great su- 
periority of military skill, they found themselves encircled 
with unexpected dangers, from which no exertion could ex- 
tricate them, their confidence in themselves and their leaders 
was greatly diminished, and the approach of the enemy in- 
spired them with the apprehension that some stratagem was 
concealed, from which immediate flight could alone pre- 
serve them.* The subsequent negociations, however fruit- 
less, with Lord Howe, had also an evil effect in France, by 
demonstrating the desire of reconciliation still subsisting in 
the colonies. 

The evacuation and capture of New- York greatly dis- 
pirited the American troops, and almost drove them to des- 
pair. The militia were impatient to return home, and 
almost totally disobedient to orders, deserting by half and 
even whole regiments. The battle of White-plains — the 
surrender of Fort Washington — the evacuation of Fort Lee 
— the gradual dissolution of the American army — the in- 
effectual attempts to raise the militia — the indisposition of 
the inhabitants to further resistance — the retreat of Gene- 
ral Washington through New-Jersey at the head of less 
than three thousand men, one thousand of whom were mili- 
tia, badly armed and clad, and almost without tents, blankets, 
or utensils for dressing their provisions ; dispirited by losses 
and fatigue — retreating almost naked and barefooted, in the 
cold of November and December, before a numerous, well 
appointed, and victorious army, through a desponding 
country — the immense numbers that daily flocked to the 
British standard, for the purpose of making their peace and 
obtaining protection — the universal idea that the contest 
was approaching its termination, greatly supported by the 
contrast between the splendid appearance of the pursuing 

* Maisn's I/ife of Washington, vol. ii. rh. 7. p. 4')fi. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 17 

army, and that made by the ragged Americans who were fly- 
ing before them, destitute of almost every necessary ; all 
these causes contributed in Europe, almost to extinguish the 
hope of a successful issue to the struggles of America. But 
the confidence of Lafayette in the triumph of liberty, was, and 
it ever has been, that of a pious man in a future life. The 
first inducement that led him to embark in the cause of 
liberty and independence, has been related by the Marquis 
himself. While stationed in the citadel of Metz,^and only 
eighteen years of age, the duke of Gloucester, who was 
then exiled from the court of Great Britain on account of 
his marriage, communicated to a select company, the infor- 
mation which he had received respecting the contest of the 
Americans. Lafayette was so strongly interested by this 
account, that he left Metz for Paris, where he became ac- 
quainted with Silas Deane, the first agent from America to 
France. At this time Doctor Franklin arrived at Paris, and 
after obtaining from him the best information concerning 
the state of the country, he was determined by his ardent 
love of liberty, to embark his life and fortune in the cause of 
American freedom. Thus inflamed with the desire to par- 
ticipate in the events which were echoed by all Europe, he 
communicated, about the close of the year 1776, his inten- 
tion of repairing to America ; and they encouraged him in 
that resolution. But when they were informed of the re- 
verses in New-Jersey, they were compelled themselves al- 
most to despair of the success of the revolution, and with an 
honourable sincerity, endeavoured to dissuade the Marquis 
from carrying his design into execution. They even de- 
clared to him that their aflTairs were so deranged by this un- 
happy news, that they were not able to charter a vessel for 
his passage to America.* " Now, then," replied the gallant 
nobleman, " is precisely the moment to serve your cause ; the 
more people are discouraged, the greater utility will result 
from my departure ; and if you cannot furnish me with a ves- 

* Botla's Independence, vol. iii. p. '>li'. 



li) HISTORV OK THn 

sel, I will freight one at my own expense, to convey your des- 
patches, and my person to the shores of America." And as 
he said he did. Nursed in the lap of luxury and ease, possess- 
ing a princely fortune, and ennobled by the most illustrious 
blood of France, he had unalterably formed the heroic reso- 
lution to abandon the comforts of home, the enjoyments of 
affluence, and the attractions of a court, to devote himself to 
the cause of that liberty, the love of which has decided 
every action of his life. Impelled by that ardour which 
arises from a liberal education and a native generosity of 
sentiments, he embarked in the cause of America, not from 
an enthusiasm, by the lukewarm and calculating, termed mad- 
ness and youthful folly, but from a firm conviction that it was 
iust and honourable. This determination on the part of so 
illustrious a personage, astonished the people of France, and 
excited universal attention and conversation. The court of 
France, either to save appearances and avoid giving umbrage 
to Great Britain, or really displeased at the proposed enter- 
prise, prohibited his departure, and it is even asserted, that 
vessels were 'espatched with orders to arrest him in the 
waters of the West Indies. But resistance to the King's will 
on this occasion, was encouraged by the public applause, and 
it was hailed by universal approbation. Even at that mo- 
ment, the seeds of the French revolution were beginning to 
germinate. When the royal authority has lostground in pub- 
lic opinion, the principle of monarchical government, which 
places honour in obedience, is attacked at its basis.* Em- 
barrassments served only to strengthen this resolution, and 
increase his youthful ardour and patriotism. According to 
the laws of France, he exposed himself by clandestine de- 
parture, to the loss of his whole property ; and, if captured 
by the British on his passage to America, he was liable to a 
confinement of uncertain duration, without the most remote 
prospect of being exchanged. But no personal considera- 
tions could influence the conduct of that generous friend to 

* De Stael Consid. French Rev. vol. i. ch. 7, p. 89. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 19 

humanity, who to a certain degree, possessed the same per- 
severance in opinion, which distinguished the illustrious 
Washington. Tearing himself from the arms of iiis beloved 
wife, who was in all the bloom of youth, and from the circle 
of connexions to whom he was eminently endeared, he em- 
barked at the early age of nineteen years in the vessel 
which he had purchased and equipped at his own expense, 
and steering wide of the West India Islands, safely arrived 
in South Carolina on the 19th of ^ril, 1777. 

What chequered scenes has Lafayette witnessed — what 
glory has he won — what miseries has he endured — since the 
following notice of his departure was published in a Paris 
paper of 1777 : — 

'•Paris, April -Uh, Mil. 

" One of the richest of our young nobility, the Marquis 
de Lafayette, a relation of the Duke de Noailles, between 
nineteen and twenty years of age, has, at his own expense, 
hired a vessel and provided every thing necessary for a voy- 
age to America, with two officers of his acquaintance. He 
set out last week, having told his lady and family that he was 
going to Italy. He is to serve as a Major General in the 
American army. — On the other hand the Count de Bulkeley, 
an Irish gentleman, who is a Major General in the French 
service, is going, with the leave of his majesty, to oifer 
himself to the king of Great Britain, to serve against the 
Americans." 

The Marquis landed on North Island in Winyau Bay, 
about sixty miles from Charleston, and was welcomed 
with the most cordial hospitality by the family of Major 
Benjamin Huger, an officer of great gallantry and high 
promise, who fell covered with wounds before Charles- 
ton, during Provost's invasion, while executing an important 
duty : to increase the calamity, he fell by friendly hands — 
the fire which destroyed him proceeding from the American 
hnes. He remained a short time in this delightful retreat, 
but anxious to pursue the object of his voyage he soon 
removed to Charleston, under the guidance of his hospl- 



20 HlSTORir OF THE 

table host. Admired by his entertainers, who felt deep- 
ly interested in his success, and whose sentiments in his 
favour increased with his rising fame, it is not surprising that 
a son of the family (the gallant Colonel Francis Kinlock 
Huger,) should have cherished that enthusiastic attachment 
to his character, which led to as noble an act of friendship 
and heroism, as adorns the page of chivalry.* On his very 
first landing in Carolina, in testimony of his respect and 
high admiration of th# gallant defence made by General 
Moultrie, of the pass on Sullivan's Island, and charmed with 
the gallantry displayed by the troops on that occasion, he 
presented him with clothing, arms, and accoutrements foi- 
one hundred men. And well did they deserve this evidence of 
their valour — resolved to repel the foe, or nobly perish, the 
undaunted garrison received the tremendous fire of the 
British shipping with composure, and returned it with terri- 
ble effect, until valour accomplished what prudence had 
declared impracticable, and the retreat of the assailants 
adorned the brows of every individual concerned with lau- 
rels that can never fade, — such were the circumstances 
inider which Lafayette lauded on our shores. Scarcely 
had he set his foot upon our soil before his gallant spirit 
mingled in enthusiasm with that of the brave warriors, whose 
brows were still contracted by the sternness of warfare, 
whose ears were still ringing with the shouts of battle, 
whose swords were yet reeking with the blood of their op- 
pressors. The young hero met with the most cordial recep- 
tion from Congress, who immediately accepted his protlered 
services, and omitted no demonstration of the respect and 
esteem in which they held the pei'son of a man, who had 
made the greatest sacrifices and exposed himself to danger 
in support of the tottering cause of America. His high 
rank, his influence at the court of Versailles, his frankness 
of manners, and zeal in the cause, soon secured him the 
tinlimited respect of his own countrymen, and the universal 

* Gordon's Anec3. f. 95. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 21 

esteem of the Americans. It is impossible to describe the 
affection with which he was regarded by them, and which 
was only surpassed by the love of their illustrious chief. To 
those who knew him, it was not a matter of wonder that he 
had discovered the secret of winning all their hearts. His 
deportment was dignified without pride; his manners gentle 
without apathy, frank without boldness, and courteous with- 
out servility. His zeal, activity, and enthusiasm in the 
cause of America, were wholly distinct from all the politi- 
cal views of co-operation with the wishes of his court, and, 
when added to a sincere and uniform admiration of the 
greatest and best character of the age, completely endeared 
him to the American people. Of Lafayette it has been said, 
by those who knew him well, that he was never spoken of 
without manifest tokens of attachment and affection.* 
Touched by this flattering reception, he resolved to exert 
himself to the utmost of his knowledge and ability, but he 
felt, and did not hesitate to confess the want of that practi- 
cal knowledge, without which, the theoretical science of the 
soldier can seldom lead to glory or success. 

With a generosity and modesty which delighted the Ame- 
ricans, he demanded no station in the army, would consent 
to receive no compensation, and requested permission to 
serve at first only as a volunteer. This generous conduct 
was the more pleasing, as the claims of some of the French 
who had entered the service, were so exorbitant that they 
could not be gratified, on the subject either of pay or of 
rank. Many of the foreign officers who assisted in the revo- 
lutionary war, had httle in view but employment in the pro- 
fession they had chosen; and, as few natives then possessed 
military skill, they found little difficulty in obtaining high 
commands. For their services, they deserved their wages, 
and if they were victorious in battle, they also deserved 
glory : but those who acted from these motives, had no 
claims on the gratitude of the American people. Fighting 

* Chastelleux's Trav. vol. i. p. 103^ note. 



22 HISTORY OF THE 

was their vocation, and for honour and emolument, they 
would have fought against liberty as readily as for it. The 
case of Lafayette was different, — he left an ample fortune to 
participate in all the privations of a people struggling for 
liberty. 

The ambition by which he was actuated was honourable ; 
and he has, by his subsequent conduct, proved the sincerity 
of his republicanism. It was Silas Deanc who had encou- 
raged these exorbitant expectations on the part of the 
French officers, by entering in France into such engage- 
ments with them, as could not be confirmed in America. 
The Marquis de Lafayette had also stipulated with Mr. 
Deane for the rank of major-general without emolument, 
and the honorary rank was conferred on him soon after his 
arrival in America, but without any immediate command. 
On the 31st of July, 1777, the following preamble and re- 
solution was adopted by Congress : — 

^^Whe.rras, the Marquis de Lafayette, out of his great zeal 
to the cause of liberty, in which the United States are en- 
gaged, has left his family and connexions, and at his own 
expense, come over to offer his service to the United States, 
without pension or particular allowance, and is anxious to 
risk his life in our cause, 

^^ Resolved, That his services be accepted ; and that in con- 
sideration of his zeal, illustrious family, and connexions, he 
have the rank and commission of major-general, in the army 
of the United States." 

This noble philanthropist was immediately received into 
the family of the commander-in-chief, to whom he attached 
himself with all the ardour of youth. Washington felt for 
him, in turn, a warm and sincere friendship, and paved the 
way to bestowing on him a command in the army equal to 
his rank. It was here that the principles of liberty, which 
appear to have been almost co-existent with his birth, were 
judiciously regulated and fostered. Under the care and 
tuition of the venerated man of the age, whose adopted son 
he was, they grew with his growth, and strengthened with 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 23 

his strength. It was not long before the chivah'ous ardour 
of the young hero was displayed upon the field of battle. 
At the baltle of Brandywine, which occurred on the 11th 
of September, 1777, he evinced his gallantry and zeal, and 
first shed his blood in the cause which he had espoused with 
so much enthusiasm. In the year 1777, the British having 
in vain attempted to reach Philadelphia across the Jerseys 
by land, proceeded by sea to the Chesapeake, and on the 
twenty-fifth of August, landed near the head of Elk, to 
which place Sir William Howe marched with one division, 
and the next day advanced his van to Gray's Hill, leaving 
General Knyphausen with three brigades at the place of 
landing. The whole force of the British army consisted of 
eighteen thousand men, in good health and spirits, trained 
to the service, admirably supplied with all the implements 
of war, and led by a general of experience and unquestion- 
able military talents. On the twenty-fourth of August Wash- 
ington passed through Philadelphia, on his way to meet the 
enemy ; and after stopping some short time on the Brandy- 
wine to refresh, and afford an opportunity of reconnoitering 
both the country and the enemy, the divisions of Greene 
and Stephen proceeded nearer to the Head of Elk, and en- 
camped behind While Clay Creek. Although the real 
strength of the American army cannot be stated with cer- 
tainty, the estimate of fifteen thousand made by Sir William 
Howe, did not probably exceed the reality ; but it is an un- 
fortunate fact attributable in some degree to the badness of 
their clothing and scarcity of tents, as well as of food, that 
the effective force, including militia, did not exceed eleven 
thousand. 

General Maxwell being posted about three miles in front 
of White Clay Creek, was fallen in with, attacked, and 
routed, by a detachment under Lord Cornwallis, and re- 
treated over White Clay Creek. The whole American 
army, except the light infantry, which remained on the lines, 
HOW retired behind Red Clay Creek, occupying with its left 
wing the town of Newport, situated near the Christiana, 



24 HISTORY OF THE 

and on the great road to Philadelphia ; its right extended 
a considerable distance up the creek to Hockesson township. 
On this ground General Washington thought it probable 
that the fate of Philadelphia and of the campaign might be 
decided ; and therefore resorted to all the means in his power 
to encourage his troops, and stimulate them to the greatest 
exertions. 

The enemy, reinforced by the rear guard under General 
Grant, advanced his main body by Newark, upon the right 
of the American encampment, and took post within four 
miles of that place, extending his left still further up the 
country. In the mean-time, a strong column made a show 
of attacking in front, and after manoeuvring for some time, 
halted at Milton, within two miles of the centre. Wash- 
ington saw the threatened danger, and retired with his troops 
beyond the Brandy wine, and took post behind that river, on 
the heights which extend from Chadd's Ford, in the direc- 
tion of north-east to south-east. The militia, under the 
command of General Armstrong, guarded a passage two 
miles below the principal encampment of Washington, and 
the right wing extended some miles above, to guard other 
fords deemed less practicable. In this position, the Ame- 
rican general awaited the movements of the enemy. Al- 
though the Brandywine, being fordable almost every where, 
could not serve as a sufficient defence against the impetu- 
osity of the enemy, yet Washington had taken post on its 
banks, from a conviction that a battle was now inevitable, 
and that Philadelphia could only be saved by a victory. Be- 
sides which, the ill effect which the surrender of Philadel- 
phia, without striking a blow, would have had on the public 
mind, demanded that a sacrifice should be made on the altar 
of public opinion. The protection of that city was deemed 
by all America, and especially by Congress, of such infinite 
magnitude, as to require the hazard of a battle for its at- 
tainment. Hence the general engagement sought by Howe, 
was not avoided by Washington. 

Early in the morning of the eleventh of September the 



MARQUIS DK LAFAVETTK. io 

whole British army was in motion. It was formed in two 
columns, the right commanded by General Knyphaiisen, and 
the left by Lord Cornwallis. It was the plan of General 
Howe, that the former should make repeated feints to attempt 
the passage of Chadd's Ford, in order to occupy the atten- 
tion of the Americans, while the second should take a long 
circuit to the upper part of the river, and cross at a place 
where it is divided into two shallow streams.-^Knyphausen 
advanced with his column, and commenced a furious can- 
nonade upon the passage of Chadd's Ford, making all his 
dispositions as if he intended to ford it. The Americans 
defended themselves with gallantry, and even passed several 
detachments of light troops to the other side, in order to 
harass the enemy's flank. In this manner the attention of 
the Americans was fully occupied in the neighbourhood of 
Chadd's Ford. About eleven in the morning, Washington 
was informed of the movements of Lord Cornwallis, who 
had taken a road leading from Kennet's Square directly up 
the country, and had fallen into the great valley road, south 
of the Brandywine, and above its forks ; they were then 
on their march towards Tremble's and Jeffery's fords, 
which they passed without opposition, and then turning short 
down the river, took the road to Dilworth, in order to fall 
upon the right flank of the American army. 

On receiving this information, Washington formed the 
nsost judicious, but bold plan to cross the river in person, 
with the centre and left wing of his army, and overwhelm 
Knyphausen by a furious attack ; — justly reflecting that the 
advantage he should obtain over the right of the enemy, 
would amply counterbalance the loss that his own might sus- 
tain at the same time. In the critical moment when this 
plan was to be executed, the troops being in motion, counter 
intelligence was received, inducing a belief that the move- 
ment of the British had been only a feint, and that the 
column under Lord Cornwallis, after making demonstra- 
tions of crossing the Brandywine above the forks, actually 
marched down the southern side of that river, to re-unite 



26 HISTORY OP THt 

itself with Knyphausen. Thus was prevented, by false in- 
telligence, the execution of a measure which, if carried 
into effect, might have given a favourable turn to the events 
of the day. 

But the uncertainty produced by this contradictory intel- 
ligence was speedily removed, and about two o'clock in 
the afternoon, it was positively ascertained that the column 
of Cornwallw, accompanied by Sir William Howe in per- 
son, was about to fall in great force upon tlie right wing. 
This was composed of the brigades of Generals Sullivan, 
Stirling, and Stephen, who, taking new ground, advanced a 
little further up the Brandywine, and fronted the column of 
the enemy. The division under General Wayne remained 
at Chadd's Ford, for the purpose of keeping Knyphausen 
in check, while Greene's division, accompanied by General 
Washington in person, formed a reserve, and took a central 
position, between the right and left wings. 

The column of Cornwallis now arrived in sight of the 
Americans, and Sullivan, who commanded the right wing, 
drew up his troops on the commanding ground above Bir- 
mingham Meeting House, with his left extending towards 
the Brandywine, and both his flanks covered with very thick 
woods. The British, having reconnoitered the disposition 
of the Americans, immediately formed, and fell upon them 
with the utmost impetuosity ; and about four o'clock in the 
afternoon, the action became equally fierce on both sides. 
For some length of time, the Americans defended themselves 
with great valour, and the carnage was terrible ; but such 
was the emulation which invigorated the efforts of the En- 
glish and the Hessians, that neither the advantages of situa- 
tion, nor a heavy and well supported fire of small arms and 
artillery, nor the unshaken courage of the Americans, were 
able to resist their impetuosity. The American right, which 
was in some disorder, first gave way, and the light infantry, 
chasseurs, grenadiers, and guards, threw themselves with 
such fury into the midst of the republican battalions, that 
the route soon became general. The vanquished fled into 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 



27 



the woods in their rear, pursued by the victors, who ad- 
vanced by the great road towards Dilworth. — On the first 
commencement of the action, General Washington pressed 
forward with General Greene to the support of the right 
wing. But, notwithstanding the rapidity of their march, 
(four miles in forty-two minutes,) he found it impossible to 
get up, before the route of that part of the army had be- 
come complete, the confusion wild and universal, and the 
enemy in full pursuit. General Greene, however, by a ju- 
dicious manoeuvre, checked the enemy, and secured the re- 
treat of the fugitives. Having come to a defile, covered on 
both sides with woods, he drew up his men there, and again 
faced the enemy. His corps was composed of Pennsylva- 
nians and Virginians, who defended themselves with gallan- 
try, and their fire made such an impression, as, in addition 
to the approach of night, induced Sir William Howe, after 
dispersing them, to give over the pursuit. 

When the right was found to be fully engaged with Corn- 
wallis, General Knyphausen made preparations for attempt- 
ing the passage of Chadd's Ford, in reality. It was de- 
fended by an intrenchment and battery. The Americans, 
under Wayne and Maxwell, made an obstinate resistance ; 
but the works were forced, and intelligence of the defeat of 
the right being received, no further opposition was made in 
that quarter. Greene was the last to quit the field of bat- 
tle, but, it being already dark, he also retired, after a long 
and obstinate conflict. 

The whole army retreated that night to Chester, and the 
day following to Philadelphia. The loss sustained by the 
Americans in this action was estimated at three hundred 
killed and six hundred wounded. Between three and four 
hundred, principally the wounded, were made prisoners. 
The official letter of Sir William Howe stated his loss at 
one hundred killed and four hundred wounded. If the ac- 
count be correct, the inequality of loss is to be attributed 
solely to the inferiority and miserable state of their arms, as 
the Americans sustained scarcely any injury during the ro- 



'■2ii HISTORY OP THE 

treat. — After this sanguinary battle, and a series of masterly 
manoeuvres on the part of the two armies, the rich and popu- 
lous capital of the confederation fell into the power of the 
royalists, and Lord Cornwallis entered Philadelphia on the 
twenty-sixth of September, 1777, at the head of a detach- 
ment of British and Hessian grenadiers.* 

During the battle of Brandywine the French officers 
were extremely useful to the Americans, both in forming 
the troops, and rallying them when thrown into confusion. 
Among these the Marquis de Lafayette was particularly dis- 
tinguished. Brave almost to a fault, and romantically so in 
the execution of orders, he exhibited on this occasion, full 
and early proofs of his undaunted bravery and military cha- 
racter. While he was endeavouring, by his words and ex- 
ample, to rally the fugitives, he received a wound in the 
leg, but continued nevertheless, to fulfil his duty, both as a 
soldier in fighting, and as a general in cheering the troops, 
and endeavouring to re-establish order. General Lafayette, 
with Lord Stirling, and Sulhvan himself, (after the defeat 
of his division) fought with the body of troops which re- 
ceived the left column of Cornwallis, and it was not until 
the enemy were within twenty yards of them that they gave 
way, and threw themselves into the woods. Their post 
was the most important, and they made a long and gallant 
resistance. It was here that Lafayette was wounded in the 
left leg.t The baron St. Ovary, Captain de Fleury, and 
Count Pulanski, were also conspicuous for their cool cou- 
rage and services during the engagement. 

The British general, now in possession of Philadelphia- 
being compelled to relinquish the hope of supporting his 
army from the adjacent country, owing to the vigilance of 
the Americans, and the severe resolutions of Congress, sub- 
jecting to martial law and to death all those who should fur- 
nish the royal troops with provisions, applied himself with 

* Botta's War of ludepend.vol.ii. book viii. — Marshall's Life of Wasb- 
ington,vol. iii. ch. 3. — Ramsay's American Bevolut. t;h. 14. 
f- Castpllenx's Trav. i. 246. 



WARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 29 

diligence to tlie task of removing the obstructions of the 
Delaware, and opening a free communication with the fleet. 
To succeed in this operation, it was necessary to seize Mud 
Island, which was defended by Fort Mifflin, and the point of 
Red Bank, where the Americans had erected Fort Mercer. 
The former was commanded by Colonel Smith, and the latter 
by Colonel Greene. Colonel Doqpp, on the evening of the 
21st of October, 1777, passed the Delaware with a strong 
detachment of Hessians, and arrived at a late hour, the fol- 
lowing day in the rear of Red Bank. He attacked the fort 
with great gallantry, but the Americans, retiring into the 
body of the redoubt, made a vigorous defence, and Colonel 
Donop being mortally wounded and taken prisoner, and his 
best officers either killed or disabled, the Hessians were 
severely repulsed, and retired with precipitation, with the 
loss of four or five hundred men. Much of the success of 
the day was attributed to the Chevalier Duplessis, a French 
officer, who directed the artillery with great ability and va- 
lour. — The attack on Fort Mifflin was more successful, not- 
withstanding the intrepidity displayed by the garrison : on 
the first attack they defended themselves with gallantry un- 
til night put an end to the engagement. The next day the 
British renewed the attack, in the hope that, under cover of 
their fire, the ships Augusta and Merlin, which had ground- 
ed, might be got off: the former, however, took fire and 
blew up ; and the latter was hastily evacuated and laid in 
a train of destruction. The erection of works on Province 
Island, by the British, now decided the fate of Fort Mifflin : 
on the fifteenth of November, a furious cannonade was 
opened from the British fort and shipping, and at length, 
the American works being battered down, and the ditch 
filled up with ruins, their situation became extremely criti- 
cal. Perceiving that the English were taking measures for 
storming the body of the fortress the following morning, and 
being sensible that it was no longer defensible, the stores 
were sient off, and setting fire to every thing that was capa- 



^Q HISTORY OF THE 

ble of receiving it, they evacuated the place in the night, 
and withdrew to Red Bank. 

It was now absolutely necessary, from the growing scar- 
city of provisions, as well as of firewood, to dislodge the gar- 
rison of Red Bank, and thereby wholly rennove the impe- 
diments which obstructed the navigation of the Delaware. 
Cornwalhs was accordingly despatched by lord Howe to the 
Jersey shore, with instructions to attack Fort Mercer in the 
rear. At Billingsport, where he was preparing to execute 
these orders, he was reinforced by a body of troops 
just arrived from New-York. Washington, being very 
desirous to preserve, if practicable, a position so well cal- 
culated to arrest the progress of the enemy, upon receiv- 
ing intelligence of this movement, ordered Maior-General 
Greene to pass, also, with his detachment into New- Jersey. 
It was hoped that he might not only be able to protect Fort 
Mercer, but obtain some advantage over Cornwallis. Gene- 
ral Greene passed the Delaware, and landed at Burlington, 
accompanied by the enthusiastic Lafayette, eager, although 
his wound was not yet healed, to gather fresh laurels in the 
field. His division was to be reinforced by troops sent from 
the banks of the Hudson. The march was commenced ; 
but general Greene abandoned the plan of giving battle to 
Cornwallis, when he learned the superiority in numbers 
which he had obtained by the junction of the reinforcement 
from New-York. Hence the commandant of the garrison, 
losing all hope of succour, and apprized of the approach of 
Cornwallis, evacuated Fort Mercer and Red Bank. — Gene- 
ral Greene, with Lafayette, however, still continued in 
New- Jersey, and was joined by several corps sent by Gene- 
ral Gates to the assistance of the army in Pennsylvania, 
among which was that of Morgan's Riflemen, become cele- 
brated by a multitude of brilliant exploits. But Cornwallis 
had so fortified himself at Gloucester Point, that he was 
perfectly secure from any enterprise that could be made by 
general Greene. — Washington now recalled General Greene. 



MAQUIS DR LAFAYfiTTE. 31 

tearful that Cornwallis, having accomplished the objects of 
his expedition, might suddenly re-cross the Delaware, and 
thus enable Howe, with all his forces, to attack the Ameri- 
can army while divided. Greene, therefore, repassed the 
river, and joined the principal army at Skippach Creek; 
and similar considerations determined General Howe to di- 
rect the detachment of Cornwallis to rejoin him without de- 
lay. But the failure of the main ob,ect of the expedition, 
owing to the superior number and rapid movements of the 
British, did not prevent General Lafayette from evincing 
the same determined spirit and irresistible bravery, which 
characterised his conduct in the battle of Brandywine. 
On the 25lh of November, previous to the evacution of 
New Jersey, the rifle corps of Morgan, assisted by some 
detachments of militia under the command of Lafayette, 
gallantly attacked and routed a superior force of Hessians 
and British grenadiers. " The Marquis," said General 
Greene, speaking of this affair, " seemed to search for dan- 
ger, and was charmed with the behaviour of his men."* 

On this expedition, the mutual esteem conceived by 
Generals Greene and Lafayette, at the battle of Brandywine, 
and increased by a subsequesit participation in toils and 
dangers, became cemented into a union of friendship and 
affection, which with the one lasted to his death, and with 
the other, exists to this day. After the full recognition of 
the independence of the American states, George Washing- 
ton Greene, the eldest son of the general, was taken, in 
1785, by the Marquis to France, and {)Lirsued his education 
under the care of his father's old and steadfast friend. 
When the revolution broke out in that country his mother's 
apprehensions induced her to recall him; and he returned 
to Georgia, in 1 794 ; he was all that the fondest parent could 
desire, but unfortunately was drowned in the Savannah ri- 
ver, a short time after his return. 

After the gallant conduct displayed by him in New-Jcr- 

* Botta's War of Independence, vol. ii. book viii. — Johnson's Life of 
Greene, 4to, vol. i. p. 93, 94. 



32 HISTORY OF THli 

sey, the Marquis, who had hitherto served only as a volun- 
teer, was invested by the commander-in-chief, with the com- 
mand of a division of the army ; an appointment which, on 
the first of December, 1777, was ratified by Congress, in the 
following words : 

" Resolved, That General Washington be informed it is 
highly agreeable to Congress, that the Marquis de Lafayette 
be appointed to the command of a division in the continental 
army." 

Notwithstanding the impetuous bravery, and almost rash- 
ness, which he had displayed, and although possessed of all 
the fire of youth, he conducted himself, when entrusted 
with a separate command, with a degree of caution and 
prudence that would have been creditable to the calm 
temper and circumspection of age. 

General Lafayette was soon called upon by Congress to 
act in a more responsible station than he had hitherto done, 
as the commander-in-chief of an army destined to under- 
take a winter expedition into Canada. The manner in 
which the whole of this transaction was conducted on the 
partof the government, portrayed the power of that detesta- 
ble cabal which had been formed for the destruction or de- 
gradation of the illustrious Washington. In the midst of 
the anxieties which almost overwhelmed him, in the com- 
mencement of 1778, he had the additional chagrin of find- 
ing that intrigues were in agitation against him. The im- 
patient and the ambitious, attributed to his incapacity, 
the reverses of the two preceeding years, in New-Jersey 
and Pennsylvania. The victories of Gates were enlarged 
upon, who was placed far above the commander-in-chief, 
and the heroic valour of American troops when led by a 
competent commander, was continually extolled. Private 
persons circulated these slanders ; and discontent caused 
them to be repeated by men in office, until they found ad- 
mittance into the midst of the army, into several of the 
state legislatures, and, finally, even into Congress itself. 
The main object of these machinations appears to have been, 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 33 

to force Washington to retire in disgust from the army. 
The leadpre of this combination, however, httle concerned 
for the public good, but immoderately so for their own, aimed 
only to advance themselves and their friends at the expense 
of others. — But, supported by that elevated spirit, and by 
that firmness which no reverses of fortune could abate, the 
serenity which Washington enjoyed, was not even for a mo- 
ment interrupted by these secret plotters ; and he bore with 
composure the determination of Congress, matured in con- 
cert with the new board of war, and without any reference 
to his opinion, relative to the irruption into Canada which 
they had planned. It cannot be decided whether this un- 
grateful proceeding arose from the desire of Congress to 
show that they knew how to act by themselves, or whether 
it was adopted because they had really withdrawn from the 
commander-in-chief a portion of the confidence which they 
had placed in him in times past.* On the twenty-second 
of January, 1778, it was ^'Resolved, That an irruption be 
made into Canada, and that the board of war be authorized 
to take every necessary measure for the execution of the 
business, under such general officers as Congress shall ap- ' 
point ;" and on the following day, Major-General the Mar- 
quis de Lafayette, Major-General Conway, and Brigadier 
Stark, were appointed to conduct it. — Great advantages 
were anticipated from placing the marquis at the head of 
this expedition, because his character as a Frenchman of il- 
lustrious rank, rendered him more peculiarly qualified for 
the conquest of a province, recently attached to the French 
empire. But it was also surmised, that the authors of this 
scheme had it principally in view, by separating Lafayette 
from Washington, to deprive the commander-in-chief of the 
defence of so fond and faithful a friend. 

Washington, without being at all consulted, received a 
letter from the president of the board of war, dated the 
twenty-fourth of January, enclosing one of the same date 

* Botta's War of Independ. vol, ii. book 8. 



34 HISTORY OF THE 

to Lafayette, requiring his immediate attendance on Con- 
gress to receive his instructions. No other communication 
was made to the commander-in-chief, than to request that 
he would furnish Colonel Hazen's regiment, chiefly com- 
posed of Canadians, for the expedition ; and, in the same 
letter, his opinions were asked respecting it. Without no- 
ticing the manner in which the business was conducted, and 
the unusual want of confidence it betrayed, orders were im- 
mediately given to Hazen's regiment, to march towards Al- 
bany ; and the marquis proceeded to the residence of Con- 
gress. At his request, Major-General the Baron de Kalb 
was added to the expedition, as well as Lieutenant-Colonel 
Fleury. 

The board of war counselled him, that, considering the 
length of the route into that country in an inclement sea- 
son, he should be particularly attentive to have his men 
well clothed, and so supplied with provisions, as effectually 
to guard against any misfortune which might happen for 
want of these necessary articles ; and that, in case he 
should fail in obtaining the forces which he might judge com- 
petent, or supplies sufficient for them, that he should care- 
fully attend to those contingencies, and regulate his conduct 
according to the probability of success, without exposing his 
troops to any very great, or very apparent hazard. With 
these vague instructions. General Lafayette repaired in per- 
son to Albany, in order to take charge of the troops that 
were to be there assembled, and from whence he was to 
cross the lakes on the ice, and attack Montreal. — He now 
published a preparatory memorial addressed to the French 
Canadians, and calling upon them, by all the ties of alle- 
giance, blood, religion, and country, as well as by the natu- 
ral desire of recovering their freedom, to be ready to join 
and assist him ; — and holding out all the severities of war 
to those, if any such there were, who, blindly perverse to 
their own interests, and forgelful of all those ties and du- 
ties, should in any manner, oppose the arms or impede the 
generous designs of their deliverers. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 

But the marquis found, in Albany, no preparation made 
for the expedition; — neither men, nor arms, nor munitions. 
Nothing that had been promised was in readiness ; and he 
therefore abandoned the enterprise as totally impractica- 
ble. Congress soon after also determined on its relinquish- 
ment. On the second of March, the committee to whom 
the matter was referred, brought in the following report : 
" Whereas, it appears from authentic accounts, that diffi- 
culties attend the prosecution of the irruption ordered to be 
made into Canada, under the conduct of the Marquis De La- 
fayette, which render the attempt not only hazardous in a 
high degree, but extremely imprudent, — Resolved, That the 
board of war instruct the Marquis De Lafayette, io sus- 
pend, for the present, the intended irruption ; and at the 
same time inform him, that Congress entertain a high sense 
of his prudence, activity, and zeal ; and that they are fully 
persuaded, nothing has, or would have been wanting on his 
part, or on the part of the officers who accompanied him, 
to give the expedition the utmost possible effect." On the 
thirteenth of March, General Washington was authorized to 
recall both the Marquis De Lafayette and the Baron De 
Kalb ; — but Conway, that wily and restless intriguer, was 
never again ordered to join the army. — At this time, the 
Marquis De Lafayette was only twenty years of age, and 
must have sensibly felt the attraction of a separate com- 
mand ; but his sound judgment, and singleness of heart, 
prevented him from yielding to his passion for military re* 
nown, under circumstances where precipitation would have 
done so much injury to the cause which he had so zealously 
espoused. He found that if he advanced into Canada, the 
army he would be able to command would be in danger 
of experiencing the fate which had just fallen upon Bur- 
goyne. Thus, by relinquishing the project at Albany, and 
conveying his free sentiments as to its practicableness to 
Congress, he not only received their thanks for the wisdom of 
his conduct, but afforded an example of firm and consum- 



36 HiS'fORi" Oi' THt 

mate prudence, which would have done honor to an expe- 
rienced and veteran commander. 

It is stated as a remarkable fact, that General Schuyler, 
in November, 1777, addressed a letter to General Washing- 
ton, containing a plan of attack on Canada, similar in its 
leading features to that which Lafayette was ordered to 
command in January, 1 778. The young nobleman showed 
his instructions to General Schuyler, who discovered in them, 
his own plan, of which, he supposed, some other wished to 
claim the honour.* 

To cover the country effectually on the north of the 
Schuylkill, and restrain, as much as possible, the parties de- 
tached in various directions from Philadelphia by the British, 
who most generally effected their object, and returned be- 
fore they could be opposed by the army lying at Valley 
Forge ; — to form an advance guard for the security of the 
main army; — and to be in readiness to annoy, if practica- 
ble, the rear of the enemy should they evacuate Phila- 
delphia, an event which was speedily anticipated, the Mar- 
quis De Lafayette was detached, by Genera! Washington, 
with an elite corps of rather more than two thousand men, 
and a few pieces of cannon, to take post near the lines. As 
this corps formed a very valuable part of the army, the 
instructions of the general recommended the utmost atten- 
tion to its safety, and particularly advised him to avoid any 
permanent station, since a long continuance in one position 
would enable the enemy to concert their measures success- 
fully against him. With this detachment, the marquis cross- 
ed the Schuylkill and took post at Barren Hill, on the morn- 
ing of the eighteenth of May, about eight or ten miles in 
front of the army at Valley Forge. As soon as he arrived, 
he addressed the following note to Captain M'Lane, who 
commanded a light corps of observation charged with the 
arduous but honourable duty of watching the movements of 
the enemy, between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers : 

* Chastelle\jx's Trav. vol. i. p. 387. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 37 

" Woods near Barren Hill Church, 
"9 ohlock, A. M. IBth May, 1778. 
"Dear Sir, 

" 1 have just now received your letter, and wish you 
would come down immediately, that I mij^ht speak to you 
of several things. Inquire, if you please, if the people 
think there will be a market to-morrow? 1 wish, also, you 
would see if some man, to be depended on, and of credit 
with the enemy, would undertake a visit to the city for 
twelve guineas. Is it known towards the British lines, that 
a detachment has been ordered from our army ? 
" Yours, 

"M. De Lafayette." 

The argus-eyed M'Lane immediately waited on the gene- 
ral, and assisted him in taking every possible precaution to 
prevent surprise. His vigilance in securing his position, 
shows that the advantage obtained over the marquis, on this 
occasion, rested on grounds little understood, and wholly 
acquits him of want of caution. Lafayette, in person, 
guarded the most direct road to his position ; Brigadier- 
General Potter, of the militia, was entrusted with the second ; 
and patroles kept an eye on the third, which was the most 
circuitous. A spy, however, who had been formerly in the 
American army, and who still kept up his intercourse with 
his former comrades, and often visited Valley Forge, at this 
period maintair)ed a correspondence with the enemy through 
the means of a messenger stationed at Frankford creek ; 
and thus general Howe was apprized of the movement of 
the marquis almost as soon as it was made. Seizing, with 
avidity, this favourable opportunity to overwhelm the 
youthful general, he resoUed to make a vigorous etfort 
to surprise and cut him off. So fully assured was he of 
success, that he is said to have invited many ladies to meet 
Lafayette at supper on the following day. In prosecution 
of the plan which he had formed, he sent General Grant, 
accompanied by Sir William Erskine, with five thousand se- 



38 HISTORY OF THE 

lect troops, by a forced night march, to turn the mar- 
quis's left and gain his rear, while General Gray, moving in 
concert by the Ridge Road, was to take possession of 
the heights near the falls of Schuylkill, and prevent his 
escape by fording the river at that place. About eight 
o'clock in the evening of the nineteenth of May, General 
Grant marched out of Philadelphia on the Germantown 
road, turned otf at the Rising Sun tavern on the old York 
road, thus diverging from Barren Hill, and after passing 
Plymouth Meeting House, and White Marsh, he arrived at 
the position he was directed to occupy, about a mile in the 
rear of the mar(|uis, between him and Valley Forge. He 
reached this point of destination about sunri«!e, and now be- 
lieved that he had got the marquis in a cul de sac, and had 
nothing more to do but spring the net. 

Captain M Lane, who was posted in advance, and ever 
on the alert, could discover no indication of the enemy's 
movement on the eighteenth, nor before the night of the 
nineteenth. The British general, to mask his enterprise, 
had, by double guards, strictly interdicted all communica- 
tion with the country ; but the silence which this precau- 
tion occasioned, caused M'Lane to increase his vigilance. 
On the morning of the nineteenth, M'Lane was joined by 
Captain William Parr, of Morgan's rifle corps, an officer of 
distinguished bravery. With eighty men, and after night 
fall as was his custom, he advanced towards the enemy's 
lines, his evening patrole having reported every thing quiet; 
but, in crossing the country, he fell in with two of the ene- 
my's grenadiers, who pretended to be deserters, from whom 
he learned that general Grant had marched at twilight with 
the grenadiers and light infantry on the old York road, and 
that a body of Germans were preparing to march up the 
Schuylkill. These combined movements leaving no doubt 
on his mind that the marquis was the object of attack, he 
immediately set out for head quarters by the shortest route, 
after despatching Captain Parr across the country with the 



MARQUIS DR LAFAYETTE. 39 

detachment, to get possession of Vandevin's Hill, with or- 
ders to oppose the column of the enemy which might ad- 
vance on the Ridge Road, to the last extremity. 

In the mean-time, Gcnerai Gray, with a strong detach- 
ment, advanced along the south side of the Schuylkill, and 
took post at a ford, two or three miles in front of the right 
flank of Lafayette. The residue of the British army en- 
camped on Chesnul Hill. Captain M'Lane reached Barren 
Hill about daybreak, and communicated the impending 
daa:|er to Lafayette, who could hardly credit the report; 
but an express from Captain Parr's detachment, which had 
got possession of the heights of Schuylkill in season to 
engage general Gray's column and check its advance, and 
another, at the same moment, from an opposite quarter, 
giving information of the movements of General Grant, soon 
brought sorrowful confirmation of his perilous situation. 
The manner in which the last mentioned information was 
conveyed, affords an instance of patriotic zeal, worthy of 
being recorded, fn passing White Marsh, the noise of the 
British column awoke a Captain Stone of the militia, resi- 
ding there, who, on making the discovery, jumped from a 
back window of his house, aud ran naked across the coun- 
try towards Barren Hill, until he was entirely exhausted : 
his report was then taken up and carried to the marquis, in 
the same manner, by Richard Burtleston, who resided near 
Plymouth Meeting House. 

The Marquis now found himself in a state of extreme 
danger. Finding that he was turned, he justly concluded, 
like an experienced warrior, that the column marched 
against him would not be the first to attack, and that it 
would wait until the other was in readiness. In fact. Gene- 
ral Grant, after marching, under cover of the night, nearly 
twenty miles in nine hours, was attending the movements 
of the column on the Ridge Road. At his position the 
roads forked ; one branch led to the camp of Lafayette, 
less than a 'mile distant : the other went to Matson's Ford 



40 HISTORY OF THE 

over the Schuylkill, at about the same distance. The re- 
treat of Lafa)^ette was thus cut off from every passage but 
Matson's Ford ; and as the line from his position formed the 
base of an obtuse-angled triangle, it is obvious that his dis- 
tance from it was much greater than that of the British. 

General La Fayette now changed his front, and took a 
good position opposite the column of General Grant, having 
before him Barren Hill church, and behind him the open- 
ing which served as a retreat. About this time his perilous 
situation was perceived by glasses from the camp at Valley 
Forge, and the whole army was put under arms to act as 
circumstances might require; and six alarm guns fired by 
General Washington, intended to give his detachment no- 
tice of the danger, served also to keep the enemy in awe, 
who imagined the whole American army was in march. — 
Nothing now remained but to retreat ; and Lafayette, with 
a veteran composure, and with a promptness of decision so 
essential in moments of critical danger, took the only course 
which could have preserved his troops. He therefore ad- 
vanced the head of a column towards Grant, as if to attack 
him, while the rear filed off rapidly towards the Schuylkill: 
this movement gained ground even for the front, which, 
while it advanced towards the enemy, also approached the 
river, and at the same time induced General Grant to lose 
time in order to prepare for battle. While this manoeuvre 
was performing in the face of the detachment under Grant, 
a small party was thrown into the churchyard, which was 
surrounded by a wall, on the road towards General Gray, 
which also gave the appearance of an intention to attack in 
that quarter. By these dispositions, happily conceived, and 
executed with regularity, the marquis extricated himself and 
his party from the destruction which had appeared almost 
inevitable. The only road he could take made him ap- 
proach the column of General Grant, and exposed him to 
be attacked by it in front, whilst Gray and the main body 
fell on his rear. In this situation, his own greatness of mind 
suggested to the young soldier the proper course to be pur- 



ilARftUlS UE LAFAYKTTK. 41 

sued. Knowing that more honour was lost than time gained, 
in converting a retreat into a flight, he continued his march 
in a tranquil and regular order, and passed over at Matson's 
Ford without being intercepted by Grant, or sustaining a 
greater loss than nine men. — Considerable time was lost by 
General Grant, in making a disposition for the expected at- 
tack, during which delay, a corps of cavalry, that had formed 
the advanced guard on the march, took possession of a hill 
between the two roads leading from his position to Lafa- 
yette's encampment and to Matson's Ford. From this ele- 
vation the troops of Lafayette were first discovered on 
their retreat through the low, woody grounds which bor- 
dered the river. Information of this circumstance was im- 
mediately conveyed to General Grant, and his superior 
proximity to Matson's Ford is said to have been urged to 
him, and even pointed out, in the strongest manner ; but, 
under a persuasion that these were only a part of Lafa- 
yette's troops, detached for some unaccountable reason, the 
general persisted in his resolution of advancing to Barren 
Hill, notwithstanding the strong remonstrances of Sir Wil- 
liam Erskine against that measure. That post was fortu- 
nately concealed from view by intervening trees ; other- 
wise the desertion of it by the Americans would have been 
perceived. 

The British having advanced to Barren Hill church, and 
found the ground lately occupied by Lafayette abandoned, 
followed in his rear, and appeared at the ford just after the 
Americans had crossed it, as if by enchantment, with all 
their artillery. Finding Lafayette advantageously posted 
on the high and broken grounds which arose from the 
water's edge on the opposite side of the river, the British 
generals perceived that nothing furthur could be attempted 
against him, and returned to Philadelphia without having 
effected any thing. " The ladies," says Chastelleux, " did 
not seeM. De Lafayette, and the generals themselves, ar- 
rived too late for supper." 



■li IHK HISTORY Of 

General Grant did not escape censure, for having allowed 
the great advantage he had acquired, in gaining the rear of 
the American encampment unperceived, to slip through his 
hands unused. He might, with the utmost certainty, have 
reached Matson's Ford before the marquis, and thus have 
cut off the only retreat which remained for him. Lafa- 
yette would then have been compelled to seek for safety by 
flying towards the Delaware, and the army of Washington 
would have been consequently dismembered. Had General 
Grant pushed forward his troops without a halt ; — had he, 
instead of keeping the road to Barren Hill, occupied the 
strong grounds at Matson's Ford, or those near to Spring 
Mills ; — the American corps must either have fallen into 
his hands or been dispersed, and the remainder of the 
army placed in a situation of extreme danger. Had trea- 
son been triumphant, — had the rapidity of the enemy been 
more, or the military vigilance of Lafayette less, — a cala- 
mity would have fallen on the American army, which, while 
it deprived it of one of its brightest ornaments, would have 
defeated the operations of the approaching campaign, and 
either left the British general in undisturbed possession of 
the principal city of the union, or suffered the invading army 
to retreat without opposition through New-Jersey. 

The conduct of Lafayette in this affair, was not only 
free from merited censure, but worthy of universal admira- 
tion ; yet it was remarked, that the same degree of military 
talent was not discovered in guarding against the approach 
of danger, as in afterward extricating himself from it. 
But the imputation which generally attaches to an officer, 
who permits an enemy to pass in full force unobserved, 
within a short distance of his flank, into his rear, is entirely 
removed by the fact, stated by Lafayette in his vindication, 
that the Pennsylvania militia were posted on his left flank, 
and relied on to guard the roads about White Marsh ; but 
that, without his knowledge, they changed their position, 
and retired into the rear, leaving that important pass open 



MARQUIS DE l^AFAVliTTE. 43 

to the enemy ; — who, moreover, Iiad positive intelHgence 
that these mihtia did not occupy the post assigned to them. 
The position he had taken at Barren Hill was almost im- 
practicable in front and flank, and, warned by the monoto- 
rial voice of Washington, he had taken every possible pre- 
caution to secure it. A corps of observation was posted 
six or eight miles in advance, to watch the movements of 
the enemy, who practised every means to elude the vigi- 
lance of Captain M'Lane, but without success. The man- 
ner in which the young Frenchman outmanceuvred the 
experienced generals of Britain, and extricated himself 
from almost inevitable destruction in the face of seven 
thousand British regulars, produced a lively sensation of 
admiration throughout the army ; and his conduct was for 
ever and triumphantly vindicated by the words of Wash- 
ington, who applauded his "?oe// th7ied and masterly re- 
freat.^^ 

During the advance of the British on this occasion, a 
laughable incident occurred, which, after the lapse of more 
than forty-six years, has been revived among the reminiscen- 
ces which attended the affecting meeting of Lafayette with 
the venerable Colonel Wilictt of New-York. In the spring 
of 1778, the marquis sent to the latter oflicer, then station- 
ed on the frontiers, for fifty young Indian warriors. These 
savages accompanied him to Barren Hill, and were placed in 
ambuscade, after their fashion, in the woods. Fifty English 
dragoons, who had never seen any Indians, marching at the 
head of a column, entered the wood where the savages were 
concealed, who on their part had never seen dragoons. 
Starting suddenly up, they raised a horrible yell, threw down 
their arms, and escaped by swimming across the Schuylkill. 
The dragoons, on the other hand, equally astounded and 
terrified, turned about their horses, and did not recover their 
panic till they had got back to Philadelphia.* 

* For accounts of the retreat from Barren Hill, vide Marshall's Wash, 
vol. iii. chap. viii. Stedman'f? Amer. War, vol. i. p, 420. Botta's War 



4 1 HISTORY, OF THE 

The following notice of the affair at Barren Hill, publish- 
ed by the British after their return to Philadelphia, shows 
the manner in which they misrepresented many of the oc- 
currences of the time : " Intelligence having been received, 
last Tuesday, that Mr. Washington and his tattered retinue 
had abandoned their mud-holes, and were on their way to 
Germantown, a detachment of British and Hessian troops 
went out to meet, and escort them into this city; but the 
rebels being apprised of their approach, fled back with pre- 
cipitation to what they term their camp, determined to act 
no further on the offensive than might be consistent with 
their personal safety." 

In the beginning of the year 1778, a general joy was 
diffused throughout the American community. The second 
of May was the day destined to carry their exultation to its 
utmost height, and to put the seal to the dismemberment of 
the vast and powerful British empire. On that day arrived, 
at Casco Bay, the French frigate La Sensible, which bore to 
Congress the treaties concluded with France. The Mar- 
quis De Lafayette, whose letters to France had no small 
share in producing this happy event, was among the first in 
the American army who received the welcome tidings of 
the treaty. In a transport of joy, mingled with tears, he 
embraced General Washington, exclaiming, " The king, my 
master, has acknowledged your independence, and entered 
into an alliance with you, for its establishment." The joy 
which spread from breast to breast, exceeded description. 
The name of Lewis XVI. was in every body's mouth ; 
every where he was proclaimed the protector of liberty, 
the defender of America, the saviour of the country. The 
several brigades at Valley Forge assembled by order of the 
commander-in-chief. Their chaplains offered up thanks to 
Almighty God, and delivered discourses suitable to the occa- 
sion. A feu-de-joie was fired, and, on a proper signal being 

enndepend. vol. ii. book 8. Wilkinson's Memoirs, vol. i. pp. 829-833. 
Chastelleux's Trav. vol. i. p. 298. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 4p 

given, the air resounded with "long Uve the king of 
France," poured forth from the breast of every private in 
the army.* 

About the first of June, the three pacificatory commis* 
sioners from Great Britafn, CarUsle, Eden, and Johnstone, 
arrived, with powers to give effect to the concifiatory acts 
of parliament, which had been proposed by lord North. The 
terms offered were such as. America would, at one time, 
have most joyfully accepted ; but that time was now passed. 
The union of the force of the two nations under one com- 
mon sovereign, was a measure to which the government was 
no longer disposed, nor even at liberty to accede. A dis- 
tressing war had eradicated all those affections which parts 
of the same empire should feel towards each other ; the 
great body of the nation was determined, at every sacrifice, 
to maintain its independence ; and the treaty with France 
had pledged them, by every principle of honour and national 
faith, never to consent to a re-union with the British empire. 
On reading the letter of the commissioners to Congress, 
some observations were found to be mingled with them, 
reflecting on the conduct of France. No sooner were they 
heard, than a violent clamour arose, many members ex- 
claiming that the reading ought to be interrupted on account 
of the offensive language against his most Christian majesty. 
The words which produced this confusion were the follow- 
ing; "We cannot but remark the insiduous interposition of 
a power, which has, from the first settlement of the colonies, 
been actuated with enmity to us both ; and notwithstanding 
the pretended date, or present form, of the French ofi'ers to 
North America, it is notorious that they have only been 
made, because it was believed that Great Britain had con- 
ceived the design of an amicable arrangement, and with a 
view to prevent reconciliation, and prolong this destructive 
war." After animated debates, the further consideration 
of the subject was adjourned to the next sitting ; but the 
question was agitated with equal vehemence, on the foUow- 

* Ramsay's Revolution, p. 381. 



10 HISTORY OP THK 

ing day. But, at length, Congress, having demonstrated by 
the warmth of this discussion the respect they bore to their 
au'Hist ally, and reflecting that a refusal to notice them might 
occasion discontents prOiUdicial to the state, determined to 
read the despatches of the commissioners. — But the high- 
minded and ingenuous Lafayette could not silently brook 
the aspersions which were cast upon his royal master. In- 
dignant at the duplicity of the commissioners, who endea- 
voured so artfully to weaken the newly-formed connexion 
between France and America, he wrote a letter to the Earl 
of Carlisle, as the principal member of the commission, 
complaining of the reflections cast upon his country, de- 
manding reparation, and challenging that nobleman to meet 
him in the field. The noble lord, however, refused to grant, 
in a national concern, that satisfaction which he conceived 
ought to be exclusively confined to personal differences. 
This affair, however, served to display the spirit and zeal 
of the young marquis for the honour of his country ; and it 
was no small addition to the mortification of the commis- 
sioners, to find themselves the objects of animadversion, in 
a private, as well as public capacity.* This conduct, 
which, on a common occasion, might have been considered 
as resulting from mere bravado on the part of a young 
officer, was in the present instance neither useless nor liable 
to that imputation. The Americans were not yet acquainted 
with the character of the French. They had been accus- 
tomed, from the prejudices of education, to consider them 
as less brave than the English, and it was useful to convince 
them that a Frenchman of high rank was not afraid to 
measure his strength with that of an Englishman. Besides, 
it in some measure, diminished the consequence of the 
commissioners, in the opinion of the people, and gave them 
a high idea of the courage and attachment of their new 

* Marshall's Washington, vol. iii. p. 534. — Botta's War of Independence, 
vol. ii. p. 501, 2. — Andrew's American War, vol. iii. p. 161. — Hist, of 
France, vol. iii. p. 173. — Not. Biogr. sur le Gen. Fayette, p. 5. 



MARQUIS) DK LAFAYETTE 47 

allies. This action, in fact, greatly increased his popularity ; 
and the most judicious men attributed it wholly to the 
ardour of a young hero, inflamed with the desire of gain- 
ing distinction by avenging the cause of his injured country. 
It cannot be denied that the Earl of Carlisle acted, as a com- 
missioner, with propriety in refusing the challenge; but at 
the same time the Marquis De Lafayette obtained beneficial 
results by sending it. 

These commissioners having brought positive and secret 
orders for the immediate evacuation of Philadelphia, Sir 
Henry Clinton, who had succeeded Lord Howe in the com- 
mand of the British army, prepared to execute the orders 
of his government. On the eighteenth of June, 1778, the 
whole army passed the Delaware, and encamped at Glou- 
cester Point on the Jersey shore. Clint n pursued his re- 
treat slowly, passing through Haddonfield, Mount Holly, 
Slabtown, and Crosswick, to Allentown and Imlaytown, 
which places he reached on the twenty-fourth. He betray- 
ed no symptoms of precipitation, but rather indicated a dis- 
position for battle. 

Before Clinton left Philadelphia, General Washington 
had penetrated his design ; and General Maxwell, with the 
Jersey brigade, was ordered over the Delaware to take 
post about Mount Holly, and to join Major General Dick- 
enson, who was beginning to assemble the militia of that 
state, for the purpose of co-operating with the continental 
troops, in breaking up the bridges, falling trees in the roads, 
and otherwise embarrassing the march of the enemy. When 
authentic intelligence was received that the enemy had 
crossed the Delaware, a council of war was summoned to 
deliberate on the proper measures to be pursued. General 
Washington submitted to their deliberations whether it was 
proper, by harrassing the enemy's rear, to annoy him as much 
as possible, without, however, coming to a general engage- 
ment; or whether it was more advisable to attack him in 
front, and try the fortune of a decisive battle. A great di- 
versity of opinion prevailed. General Lee, who had lately 



48 HISTORY OF THU 

been exchanged for Prescott, and whose military experience 
gave great weight to his opinions, was vehement against risk- 
ing either a general or partial engagement. He maintained 
that, with the equality of force that existed, it would be 
"crimmal" to hazard an action; — that it would be impossible 
to bring on a partial engagement, without the risk of its being 
made general, if such should be the choice of the enemy 5 — 
and that a general" action ought not to be fought, unless the 
advautage was manifestly on the American side. He was 
also of opinion, that the superiority of the enemy in point 
of discipline was such, that the issue of an engagement 
would almost certainly be unfavourable; and that they 
ought to be content with following the enemy, observing his 
motions, and preventing him from ravaging the country. 
General Du Portail, the Baron De Steuben, and most of 
the foreign officers, maintained the same opinions, and 
thought that an action ought carefully to be avoided. The 
American officers appear to have been influenced by the 
counsels of the Europeans ; for, of seventeen generals, only 
Wayne and Cadwallader were decidedly in favour of 
attacking the enemy. General Lafayette, however, with- 
out openly embracing it, appeared inclined to that opinion ; 
and General Greene was also disposed to hazard more than 
the opinions of the majority would sanction. They were, 
in fact, the only two members of the boa?d who expressed 
the opinions which appear afterward to have influenced 
the conduct of the commander-in-chief. They maintained 
that the country ought to be protected at all risks, and if it 
should prove necessary to that object, that duty enjoined 
them to hazard a battle ; and that, if a favourable opportu- 
nity was afforded of attacking the enemy with effect, it 
ought not to be avoided ; — in other words, that it was 
impossible to anticipate a decision. They could not bring 
their minds to endure the idea, that the enemy should re- 
tire with impunity during so long a march, and they be- 
lieved that they had every thing to expect from soldiers, 
whose constancy had remained unsubdued by the rigour of 



MARQUIS DE LAFAVETTE. 40 

the seasons, and the scarcity of every thing most necessary 
to hfe. They reflected, moreover, that the English army 
was embarrassed with the most cumbersome baggage, and 
they did not doubt that in the numerous defiles it would be 
compelled to thread, some favourable occasion would offer 
to attack with advantage. Nevertheless, the voice of the 
majority prevailed, not without evident dissatisfaction on 
the part of Washington, who remained steadfast in the 
opinion which he had formed. 

On the same day that the Bi'itish abandoned Philadelphia;, 
the American commander moved from Valley Forge, and 
crossing the river at Coryell's ferry, on the twenty-second, 
took post at Hopewell. Sir Henry Clinton was now en- 
camped at and around AUentown ; and the main body of 
the American army was about five miles from Princeton. 
Notwithstanding the almost concurrent opinion of the gene- 
ral officers against risking an action, the Fabius of America, 
who, with a mind of uncommon firmness, combined an en- 
terprising as well as cautious temper, indulged an anxious 
desire to adopt that measure. He therefore again assem- 
bled his general officers, and once more submitted to them 
the situation of the two armies. The same opinion re- 
specting a general battle, that had been given the day be- 
fore the movement from Valley Forge, was repeated ; and 
the proposition was peremptorily and decidedly negatived. 
General Washington, however, still retained his inclination 
to engage the enemy, and finding himself supported by the 
private wishes of some officers whom he highly valued, he 
determined to take his measures on his own responsibility, 
and without calling another council. As soon as he disco- 
vered that the enemy were on their march towards Mon- 
mouth Court House, (not more than twelve miles from the 
heights of Middletown,) he determined that Ihey should not 
escape without a blow. Major-General Dickenson with the 
Jersey militia, consisting of about one thousand men, and a 
brigade of continental troops commanded by Maxwell, now 
hung on their left flank towards the rear of the cnenrir : 



•^/^ HJ.iJluKV Oi' TH£ 

General Cadvvallader, with Jackson's regiment, and a verj 
fe^v militia, was entirely in their rear; and Colonel Morgan, 
with his regiment of six hundred men, was on their right. 
In pursuance of the opinion of the last military council, a 
detachment of fifteen hundred men, under Brigadier-General 
Scott, had also been marched to the lines. General Wash- 
ington, having formed his decision, despatched General 
Wayne with a further detachment of one thousand select 
men to reinforce General Cadwallader. As the continental 
troops now in front of the main army amounted, at least, to 
four thousand men, and as the simultaneous action of the 
several detachments was of extreme importance, he deemed 
it proper to employ a major-general to collect and com- 
mand them. This tour of duty Major-General Lee had a 
right to claim : but as he was openly and strongly against 
hazarding even a partial engagement, and expected that 
nothing further would be attempted than merely to re- 
connoitre the enemy, and restrain plundering parties, he 
showed no disposition to assert his claim, and very readily 
assenting to the private wishes of General Washington, that 
the command should be given to an officer whose views of 
the service comported more with his own, he yielded this 
important tour of duty to the Marquis De Lafayette. He 
Avas ordered to proceed immediately with the detachment, 
and to form a junction as expeditiously as possible with 
that under General Scott ; to use the most effectual means 
for gaining the enemy's left flank and rear, and giving them 
every degree of annoyance. All the continental parties on 
the line were placed under his command, and he was di- 
rected to take such measures as would most impede the 
march of the enemy, and occasion them the greatest loss : 
for these purposes, he was to attack them as occasion might 
reqiiire by detachment, and, if a proper opening should be 
given, to act against them with his whole force. A letter 
Was at the same time addressed to General Dickenson, 
placing the militia under the orders of Lafayette. 



MARtiUIS DE LAFAVETTE. ' oj 

The marquis was young, generous, and brave ; but not- 
withstanding his high quaHfications, it was certainly an im- 
portant trust to be confided to the captivating foreigner. 
Nothing is more dangerous than to hang with an inferior 
force upon a gallant enemy, never disinclined to draw his 
sword, and watchful to seize every advantage within his 
reach. But the discrimination of Washington was well 
justified by his conduct, not only on this occasion, but 
throughout the whole course of the war. The dispositions 
that he had made, and the orders which he had given, 
manifest very conclusively the intention and wish of the 
commander-in-chief. They could hardly fail to bring on an 
engagement. Wayne had openly espoused that measure, 
and Fayette, although he partially joined, in council, in the 
opinion against seeking a general action, had been in favour 
of a partial one ; and would, therefore, if any proper occa- 
sion offered, certainly attack with his whole force, which 
would as certainly produce such measures on the part of the 
enemy, as would render it proper to support him with the 
whole army. He was accompanied too by Colonel Hamil- 
ton, who felt tjje strongest desire to signalise the detachment, 
and to accomphsh all the wishes of the commander-in-chief. 
Immediately after sending this additional body of troops, 
the whole army moved to Cranberry, in order to be suffi- 
ciently near to support them. The advanced corps under 
Lafayette pressed forward, and took a position on the Mon- 
mouth road, about five miles in the rear of the enemy, with 
the intention of attacking them the next morning on their 
march ; but it was found too remote, and too far on the 
right, to be supported in case of action, and orders were 
consequently sent to the marquis, to file off by his left to- 
wards Englishtown. These orders were executed early in 
the morning of the twenty-seventh of June. 

No sooner had Lafayette marched towards the lines, than 
General Lee began to regret his resignation of the com- 
mand of the advanced party. He perceived that, in the 
opinion of all the general officers, a greater importance 



aji HISTORY OF THE 

was attached to this command than he had allowed it ; and 
that his reputation was in danger of being somewhafrimpair- 
ed, by connecting his strenuous opposition to even a partial 
action, with his afterward declining the command of a very 
strong detachment, which, it was expected, would fall in 
with, and engage the rear of the enemy. He now, there- 
fore, solicited very earnestly for the command which he 
had before declined. To relieve the feelings of Lee, with- 
out wounding those of Lafayette, General Washington de- 
tached him with two other brigades to Englishtown, to sup- 
port the marquis. As senior officer, he would of course 
have the direction of the vs^hole front division, which would 
now amount to five thousand men; but it was expressly 
stipulated, that if any enterprise had been already formed 
by Lafayette, it should be proceeded with, in like manner 
as if the commanding officer had not been changed. To 
this condition Lee acceded, and with two additional bri- 
gades, joined the front division of the army, now encamped 
at Englishtown. The whole van guard was placed under 
his command, leaving to Lafayette only that of the militia 
and light horse. The main army moved ^rward about 
three miles in his rear ; Morgan's corps still hovered on 
the right flank of the British ; and General Dickenson on 
their left.* 

Sir Henry Clinton had taken a very strong position on the 
heights of Freehold, having his right flank in the skirt of a 
small wood, while his left was secured by a very thick one, 
and a morass running towards his rear : his whole front was 
also covered by a wood, and, for a considerable distance 
towards his left, by a morass. Descending from these 
heights towards Monmouth, there was a deep valley, three' 
miles in length and one in breadth, broken with hills, 
woods, and morasses. General Washington finding this 
position unassailable, and knowing that it would be impossi- 
ble to attempt any thing with a prospect of succes? if the 

' Marshall'^ Wafhinsftmi. vol, iii. ch. 8. 



MARQUIS UE LAFAYETTE. 5.3 

enemy should reach the high grounds of Middletown^ de-^ 
termiued to attack their rear the moment they should'movc 
from Ihe ground. This determination was immediately 
communicated to General Lee, and corresponding orders 
were also given to the rear division of the army. 

In the mean-time, Clinton, seeing the enemy so near, and 
a battle inevitable, withdrew all his baggage from the rear, 
and passed it into the charge of the van, commanded by 
general Knyphausen, so that, while he endeavoured with the 
rear guard to keep the Americans in check, it might be 
conducted to a place of safety upon the hills of Middle- 
town : he therefore retained in his encampment at Free- 
hold several battalions of English infantry, both heavy and 
light, the Hessian grenadiers, and a regiment of cavalry ; 
while Knyphausen, at daybreak on the morning of the 
twenty-eighth of June, descended into the valley with his 
convoy on his way towards Middletown. About eight 
o'clock Clinton also descended from the heights of Free- 
hold, and took up his line of march in the rear of the front 
division. Washington, being promptly informed of all his 
motions, and apprehensive that the English would succeed 
in posting themselves in the mountains of Middletown, the 
distance being only a few miles, in which case it would have 
been impracticable to interrupt their retreat to New-York, 
despatched orders to General Lee to move on and attack the 
rear, " unless there should be powerful reasons to the 
contrary ;" while Morgan and Dickenson were directed to 
descend into the valley upon the enemy's flanks, in order to 
attempt the column of Knyphausen, encumbered with its 
long train of carriages and pack horses. Lee, having made 
the necessary dispositions to eflect these orders, appeared 
on the heights of Freehold soon after the enemy had left 
them, and following the British into the plain, gave direc- 
tions to general Wayne, to attack their covering party in 
the rear so as to halt them. In the mean-time, he proposed 
to gain their front by a shorter road on their left, and en- 
tirely intercepting their communication with the line, to 



iii4 HISTORY or THt 

bear them off before they could he assisted. Before tliis 
plan was executed, Sir Henry Clinton had dispersed the 
militia under Dickenson, which infested his left flank, and 
perceiving that the Americans were descending with impe- 
tuosity to attack him, while Knyphausen, with the baggage, 
was exposed to the greatest peril in the defiles which con- 
tinued several miles, instantly took the only resolution that 
could extricate him from the embarrassments of his position. 
He determined to turn upon the Americans who me- 
naced his rear, and to charge them with the utmost vigour, 
hoping to throw them into disorder by an unexpected 
attack, and thus compel them to recall to their succour the 
corps they had detached to intercept the baggage. Thus 
the English rear guard, commanded by Cornwallis and 
Clinton in person, and the American van guard, conducted 
by General Lee and the Marquis De Lafayette, advanced 
against each other, with a firm resolution to engage. The 
artillery began to play, and the queen's dragoons charged 
and routed the light horse of Lafayette. General Lee soon 
perceived himself to have been mistaken in the force which 
formed the rear of the British, and was also compelled to 
form his troops upon unfavourable ground, having behind 
him a ravine, which rendered his retreat extremely difficult 
in case of check, and which necessarily would impede the 
arrival of reinforcements to his aid. This was about ten 
o'clock ; and while both armies were executing their pre- 
paratory manoeuvres for action, general Scott, mistaking an 
oblique march of an American column for a retreat, and 
apprehensive of being abandoned, left his position and re- 
passed the ravine in his rear. Lee, knowing the unfavour- 
able position of his troops, directed the whole detachment 
to regain the heights they had passed. This countiy abounds 
with defiles of a peculiar sort : the valleys are cut by small 
rivulets with marshy grounds, diflUcult to man and horse, and 
impossible to artillery, except in particular spots. Persever- 
ing in his decision to join rather than recall Scott he con- 
tinued to retire. During this retrograde movement somr 



>fAR4(;iS D£ LAFAYETTE. OO 

slight skirmishing ensued, in which very little damage was 
done on either side. 

When the first firing announced the commencement of 
the action, the rear of the army threw off their packs, and 
advanced rapidly to the support of the front. Meantime 
the enemy had pursued Lee across the ravine, and pressed 
him hard before he had time to rally. In this critical mo- 
ment, Washington arrived. As he approached the scene of 
action, he rode forward in total ignorance of Lee's retreat ; 
and about noon, to his great astonishment and mortification, 
met the advanced corps retiring before the enemy, without 
having made a single effort to maintain their ground. Those 
whom he first fell in with, neither understood the motives 
which had governed General Lee, nor his present design ; 
and could give no other information than that by his orders 
they had fled without fighting. — General Washington rode 
to the rear of the division, which he found closely pressed. 
He then met General Lee, to whom he spoke in terms of 
some warmth, implying disapprobation of his conduct. 
General Lee, instead of entering into that full explanation 
which his own honour, duty to his superior, and the good of 
his country, demanded, took offence at the manner in which 
he had been accosted, and replied unbecomingly. Such 
conduct, in an inferior officer, could not be brooked, and 
met, as it merited, marked disapprobation. In fact, the 
deviation of Lee from his instructions might have produced 
the most fatal effects. 

It was now necessary, without delay, to arrest for a few 
moments the impetuosity of the English, in order to give 
time for all the corps of the rear guard to come up. The 
commander-in-chief, accordingly, ordered the regiments 
commanded by Colonel Stewart and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Ramsay, to occupy an important post on the left, behind a 
tuft of wood, and there to sustain the first efforts of the 
enemy. General Lee was directed to take proper mea- 
sures, with the residue of his force, to stop the British co- 
lumn on that ground, and the commander-in-chief rode 



56 HISTORY Oi" TII£ 

back himself to arrange the rear division of the army. 
Stung by the reproaches of his general, and stimulated by 
the point of honour, General Lee made extreme exertions 
to rally his troops, and_disposed them on advantageous 
ground, where they defended themselves valiantly. But 
at length, overpowered by numbers, he, as well as Stewart 
and Ramsay, were compelled to fall back. Lee, however, 
brought off his troops in good order, and was directed to 
form in the rear, while the army moved on to battle. The 
check given by him to the enemy, afforded time to dispose 
the left wing and second line, to which Lafayette was now at- 
tached, of the American army, partly in a neighbouring 
wood, and partly upon a hill situated on the left, from 
which some pieces of cannon, which Lord Stirling had 
planted there, severely annoyed the enemy, and, with the 
aid of several parties of infantry, effectually put a stop to 
their advance. General Greene, who commanded the 
right wing, now took a very advantageous position on the 
right, and posted his artillery upon a lofty eminence, 
whence it cruelly infested the left wing of the enemy. 

Finding themselves thus arrested, and so warmly op- 
posed in front, the British attempted to turn the left flank 
of the Americans, but they were repulsed by the light in- 
fantry detached for that purpose. They then directed their 
efforts against Washington's right, which they endeavoured 
to surround ; but overwhelmed by the artillery of Greene, 
they were soon compelled to retreat. At this moment. 
General Wayne was advanced with a body of infantry to 
engage them in front, who kept up so hot and well-directed 
a fire of musketry, that they drove the enemy behind the 
ravine, on the ground where the first halt had been made, 
and where the action had commenced immediately after 
the arrival of General Washington. — Victory was no 
longer doubtful ; but the new position of llie English was 
still formidable. Their flanks were covered by thick woods 
and deep morasses, while their front could only be reached 
through a narrow pass. Notwithstanding the fatigue of the 



MAKHUls DK LAFA V KXTi.. Ot 

action they suffered less, in killed and wounded, than their 
adversaries. In his official letter, Sir Henry Clinton 
stated his dead and missing at four officers and one hundred 
and eighty-four privates ; and his wounded at sixteen offi- 
cers, and one hundred and fifty-four privates. But the 
"'stubborn fact" of burying the dead, manifests a great 
error in the official report of Sir Henry Clinton. Four 
officers, and two hundred and forty-five privates were buried 
on the field by persons appointed for that purpose ; and 
some few were afterward found and buried, so as to in- 
crease the number to nearly three hundred. The loss of 
the Americans was eight officers, and sixty-one privates, 
killed, and about one hundred and sixty wounded. — With- 
out doubt, Chnton, who claimed the victory, obtained his 
object, — security from further molestation, and the com- 
pletion of his retreat. This, however, was not effected in 
the usual style of conquerors, but by decamping in the 
night, and seeking safety, near the place of embarkation, in 
a position secure from assault. Congress was highly grati- 
fied with the success which attended their arms at the 
battle of Monmouth. On the seventh of July, a resolution 
was unanimously passed, presenting their thanks to General 
Washington, and to the officers and men under his command, 
who distinguished themselves by their conduct and valour 
in the battle.— In this severe action, which terminated in a 
manner calculated to make a general impression favourable 
to the reputation of the American arms. General Lafayette 
displayed the utmost coolness and skill, and participated 
largely in the toils and dangers of the day. The venerable 
Colonel Willet, of New- York, in a letter written immedi- 
ately after the action, in which he was personally engaged, 
makes the following remarks relative to the youthful hero : 
" I have been charmed with the blooming gallantry, and 
sagacity, of the Marquis De Lafayette, who appears to be 
possessed of every requisite to constitute a great General :" 
Colojwl Willet W3? a volunteer aid to General Scott, of 



51) HISTORV OF THK 

Virginia, who commanded the light infantry, and in the 
commencement of the action, under the immediate orders 
of General Lafayette : hence, he enjoyed a favourable 
opportunity of observing and appreciating his conduct.* 

The following extract from the " Historical Anecdotes of 
the Reign of Louis XVI," affords an epitome of the hu- 
manity and gallantry of the Marquis. During the Ameri- 
can War, a General officer in the service of the United 
. States, advanced, with a score of men, under the English 
batteries, to reconnoitre their position. His aid-de-camp, 
struck by a ball, fell at his side. The officers and orderly 
dragoons fled precipitately. The general, though under the 
fire of the cannon, approached the wounded man to see 
whether he had any signs of life remaining, or whether any 
assistance could be affiDrded him. Finding the wound had 
been mortal, he turned his eyes away with emotion, and 
slowly rejoined the group, which had got out of the reach of 
the pieces. This instance of courage and humanity took 
place at the battle of Monmouth. General Clinton, who 
commanded the English troops, knew that the Marquis De 
Lafayette generally rode a white horse ; and it was upon 
a white horse that the general officer, who retired so slowly, 
was mounted. Clinton commanded the gunners not to fire. 
This noble forbearance probably saved General Lafayette's 
life, for it was he himself. At that time he was but twenty- 
two years of age. 

Not long 'after the battle of Monmouth, General La- 
fayette was again selected for active service, and, on the 
twenty-first of July, was detached with two brigades, to 

* For accounts of the battle oi Monmouth, &c. vide Marshall's Wash- 
ington, vol. iii, chap. 8. — Andrews' Amer. War, vol. iii, p. 112.— H. Lee's 

Memoirs, vol. i, p. 58 Johnson's Life of Greene, vol. i, p. 103. — Botta's 

War Independ. vol ii,book x. — Ramsay's Revolution, p. 379 — 381 — Sted- 
raan's American War, vol. ii, ch. 22.— Mem. Histor, sur Jjafayette, p. 6. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. i o'J ^ 

join. General Sullivan, who had been apj^nted, in t|i^ pre^i 
ceding winter to the command of the "troops in Rho&e 
Island. Count d'Estaing having relinquished the meditated 
attack on the British fleet in the harbour of New- York, in 
consequence of the impracticability of passing the bar at 
Sandy Hook, an enterprise against the enemy at Rhode 
Island was concerted, by the combined forces of America 
and France. On the twenty-fifth of July, the French fleet 
arrived at Newport ; and in the mean-time, directions were 
given to General Sullivan, to call on the New-England 
states to furnish, immediately, their quotas of militia ; and 
to prepare magazines ; to collect the boats necessary for a 
descent ; to engage the best pilots ; and to make himself 
perfectly master of the situation and strength of the enemy. 
General Greene was ordered, without delay, to Rhode 
Island, of which state he was a native, and where he pos- 
sessed great influence, for the purpose of commanding 
under Sullivan. 

General Pigot, who commanded in Rhodejsland, had re- 
ceived considerable reinforcements from New- York, and the 
garrison now amounted to about six thousand effectives. 
The main body lay in Newport, which was strongly de- 
fended, and some small detachments occupied other worl*s 
thrown up at the north end of the island, to prevent a de- 
scent from the adjacent continent. The American army 
lay on the main, about the town of Providence. 

Soon after the arrival of D'Estaing, Gwieral Sullivan 
went on board the fleet, to concert a plan of operations 
for the allied forces. It was determined that their arms 
should be directed, as soon as possible, against Newport. 
According to the plan of attack, the fleet was to enter the 
harbour, and land the French troops on the west side of 
the island, while the Americans, at the same time, landed 
on the opposite coast, under cover of the guns of a frigate. 



GO HISTORY OF 'i'HL 

Thus they would be within the works which had been 
erected on the north end of the island for the purpose of 
preventing a descent from the continent* To be in readi- 
ness for the execution of this plan, General Greene marched 
with a detachment of continental and state troops, and some 
militia, to Tiverton, which lies on the east side of the East 
Channel : but considerable delay was occasioned by the slow 
arrival of the reinforcements of militia, which were deemed 
essential to the security of the enterprise ; but as the militia 
of Massachusetts and New-Hampshire, who were princi- 
pally volunteers, approached, Sullivan joined General 
Greene at Tiverton, and it was agreed that the fleet should 
enter the main channel immediately, and that the descent 
should be made the succeeding day. 

Accordingly, on the eighth of August, all the prepara- 
tions being completed, and the wind favourable, the French 
squadron entered the harbour of Newport, and coasting 
the town, discharged their broadsides into it, and received 
the fire of the batteries on shore : but little execution was 
done on either side. — The militia not arriving precisely at 
the time they were expected, Sullivan communicated to the 
French admiral the necessity of postponing the attack yet 
another day; but, finding next morning, that the British 
troops on the north end of the island had been recalled 
during the night, and fearful that they would return to them, 
he determined to take immediate possession of the works 
which had been abandoned. In conformity with this reso- 
lution, the wh(Jle army crossed the Sea-connet passage, at 
Rowland's Ferry, on the ninth of August, and landed on the 
north end of Rhode Island. 

On receiving information of this movement, D'Estaing 
highly resented the indelicacy supposed to have been com- 
mitted by Sullivan, in landing before the French, and with- 
out consulting him. In addition to this cause of discontent. 



vJARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. <j 1 

some previous difficulties, on subjects of mere punctilio, 
had been created. The Count D'Estaing was a land, as 
well as sea officer, and held the rank of Lieutenant-Gene- 
ral in the French service. Sullivan, being only a Major- 
General, he had endeavoured to avoid a misunderstanding 
on this delicate point, by agreeing, in the first conference, 
that the Americans should land first, and afterward the 
French, to be commanded by D'Estaing in person. Either 
his own reflections, or the suggestions of others, afterward 
made the Count dissatisfied with this arrangement, and he 
insisted that the descent should be made on both sides of 
the island precisely at the sarn'o moment, and that one wing 
of the American army should be attached to the French, 
and land with them. He also declined the command in 
person, but requested that Lafayette should take charge of 
the French troops, as well as of the Americans attached to 
them. — The conduct of D'Estaing, on this occasion, was 
captious and assuming. As the command of the combined 
forces had been tendered to him, he ought to have accepted 
it, or not insisted on dictating with respect to that of the 
right wing. Although the high standing, unbounded popu- 
larity, and real merit of the Marquis de Lafayette, made 
every one willing to concede what he could with honour, 
yet D'Estaing's punctilious pretensions ought to have made 
him respect the rights and feelings of others. All conceded 
the propriety of delegating the command of the French 
troops to Lafayette ; but when D'Estaing insisted that an 
entire division of the American army should act with them, 
and the command of the whole be given to the Marquis, he 
certainly carried his pretensions too far for one who had de- 
clined the chief command. At length, the French admiral 
was, with difficulty, prevailed on to consent that his demand 
should be reduced from one wing of the American army, to 
one thousand militia. — When, afterward. General Sullivan 
crossed over to the island before the time to which he had 



6:2 HISTORY OF THE 

himself postponed the descent, and without giving previous 
notice to the Count of this movement, some suspicions were 
excited that the measure was taken with other views than 
those which were assigned. The French admiral was so 
much offended that he refused to answer Sullivan's letter : 
the day which ought to have been appropriated to action, 
was passed in discussion ; and this delicate and magnified 
point probably proved, in the end, the destruction of the 
whole expedition. 

After reaching the island. General SulUvan hoped that the 
attack would be no longer delayed, when, on the same day, 
the squadron of Lord Howe appeared, which after commu- 
nicating with General Pigot, came to an anchor off Point 
Judith. After a careful examination of the position of the 
French ships, the British admiral concluded, from various 
concurring causes, that he could entertain no hope of suc- 
couring the town. From the same causes, if the French 
admiral had been disposed to persist in the concerted plan 
of attack, and had not abandoned his station until he had 
afforded to General Sullivan all the co-operation in his 
power, there is good reason to believe that the town of New- 
port would have fallen into the hands of the aUies. But the 
Count D'Estaing, full of ardour and impatience, took ad- 
vantage of a favourable change of wind to sail out of the 
harbour, in order to attack the enemy. Previously to his 
leaving port, he informed General Sullivan that, on his re- 
turn, he would land his men as that officer should advise. 
Having stood out to sea, with the advantage of the weather- 
gage, which Lord Howe did not think it prudent to concede, 
the whole day was spent in manceuvering. On the suc- 
ceeding day, when on the point of engaging, the two fleets 
were separated and dispersed by a violent tempest, which 
lasted forty-eight hours, and rendered them both unfit for 
action. The British squadron returned to New- York, for 



JlARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 6^ 

the purpose of refitting ; and the French regained the har- 
bour of Newport. 

In the mean-time the militia had joined the army of Sulh- 
van, which now amounted to ten thousand men. But Gene- 
ral Lafayette objected to the commencement of any opera- 
tions before the return of D'Estaing. He argued, that if 
measures were taken against the enemy without his co-ope- 
ration, he would once more feel himself aggrieved ; and 
therefore advised that the army should be advanced to a 
position in the neighbourhood of Newport, but not break 
ground until the Count should be in readiness to act in con- 
cert with them. Although it was extremely desirable to 
avoid whatever might give offence to the ally on whose 
assistance so much depended, yet time was considered of 
so much importance to an army which could not be long 
kept together, that this advice was over-ruled, and it was 
determined to open the trenches, and commence the siege 
immediately. 

After surmounting the obstacles created by bad weather, 
and delay in the arrival of his stores and artillery. General 
Sullivan moved towards the lines, and encamped within two 
or three miles of the town of Newport. The succeeding 
morning, being the fifteenth of August, the siege was com- 
menced, and continued, without any material circumstance, 
for several days. But the abandonment of D'Estaing had 
placed the American army in a very critical situation, be- 
cause reinforcements might now be thrown, without inter- 
ruption, into Newport, and not only defeat the enterprise, 
but render their retreat dangerous. On the evening of the 
nineteenth, their anxieties vrere momentarily relieved by 
the reappearance of the fleet. 

The French admiral, however, immediately crushed the 
flattering hopes of the army, by communicating to General 



64 Hl^'fOKV OF 'IHt 

Sullivan his intention, in pursuance of orders from the king, 
and with the advice of all his officers, of taking the fleet to 
Boston to refit. Success without the aid of the fleet, could 
not be hoped for ; and the Americans had counted, with 
almost absolute certainty, on a brilliant termination of the 
enterprise. General Sullivan, reduced almost to despair 
by this determination, added entreaties to remonstrances, in 
order to dissuade D'Estaing from so fatal a measure. The 
Marquis de Lafayette and General Greene were directed to 
wait on him, with a letter from General Sullivan, remon- 
strating against the resolution he had formed, and to exert 
their utmost endeavours to induce him to change it. They, 
accordingly, besought him not to abandon the interests of 
the comm >n cause ; they represented to him the importance 
to France, as well as to America, of the enterprise com- 
menced ; they urged the certainty of carrying the garrison, 
if he would only co-operate with them for two days ^ that it 
could not be relinquished in its present stage without cast- 
ing shame and reproach on the French and American arms, 
because the latter, confiding in the promised co-operation of 
the French fleet, had undertaken it with alacrity, and made 
incredible exertions to provide the requisite stores ; that to 
be deserted in so critical a moment would have a very per- 
nicious influence on the minds of the American people, and 
afford a triumph to the disaffected, who would not fail to 
exclaim against French faith, and animadvert on the 
fruit of such an alliance. They also urged the danger o( 
carrying the fleet, in its present shattered condition, through 
the difficult navigation over the shoals of Nantucket ; that 
it could be repaired more conveniently at Newport than at 
Boston ; and that its present station afforded advantages 
over the harbour of Boston for distressing the enemy. 
Finally, they entreated the admiral, if any personal indis- 
cretions had appeared in conducting the expedition, not to 
permit them to operate to the prejudice of the common 
cause. All was fruitless. The Count continued immove- 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 66 

able in the determination he had formed, and, on the 
twenty-second of August, set sail for Boston. 

It was the opinion of Greene and Lafayette, that the 
principal officers on board the fleet were the enemies of 
D'Estaing, who, as a landsman, was unpopular among them 
as commandant in the navy. They therefore determined 
to thwart his measures, and prevent his achieving any bril- 
liant exploit that might redound to his reputation. Hence, 
being unable, according to his instructions, to act in opposi- 
tion to their unanimous opinion, he sailed from the island, 
although he would not otherwise have probably remained 
deaf to the arguments, and inexorable to the solicitations, 
of the commissioners. 

When Greene and Lafayette returned to the army, uni- 
versal indignation and dismay were excited ; and the deser- 
tion of the French made a violent impression, and created 
loud clamours, throughout America. Sullivan, chagrined 
beyond measure, made yet another effort to retain the fleet, 
hy despatching Lieutenant-colonel Laurens, in a swift 
privateer, to overtake the fleet, and deliver a letter to 
D'Estaing, remonstrating against his withdrawing from the 
enterprise, and pressing him, in any event, to leave his land 
forces. He was also charged with a protest, signed by all 
the general officers of the American army in Rhode-Island, 
except the Marquis De Lafayette, remonstrating against his 
departure in terms of great earnestness. D'Estaing was much 
displeased with the protest, and continued his voyage to 
Boston. 

Sullivan now saw the fair prospect of acquiring distinc- 
tion, and of rendering service to his country, escape from 
his grasp, by the desertion of his allies. The militia, who 
with so much zeal had hastened to join him, almost entirely 
disbanded, and the number of his army was reduced, in a 

9 



66 HISTORY OF THt; 

short time, from nearly ten thousand men to about half that 
number, while the force of the enemy consisted of six 
thousand veterans. It was, therefore determined to raise 
the siege of Newport, and to retire to the north end of the 
island, there to wait for events. He was thus anxious to 
hold the ground which he had gained, in the hope that 
D'Estaing might yet return in time to accomplish the object 
of the expedition. To endeavour to prevail on him to adopt 
this course, Generals Hancock and Lafayette set out for 
Boston ; — the former to expedite the repairs of the vessel, 
and the latter to use the influence which his high rank and 
character gave him with the admiral. — The camp before 
Newport was broken up in great silence, in the night, and 
the army retired unobserved towards the works on the north 
end of the island. Early on the morning of the twenty- 
ninth, the retreat was discovered by the enemy, who im- 
mediately followed in two columns. A very warm action 
ensued, in which the English were repulsed with admirable 
resolution. The next day a cannonade was kept up by 
both parties, but neither thought proper to attack the other : 
the British were waiting for the reinforcements expected 
from New- York, and Sullivan had determined to withdraw 
his troops from the island. The American general, having 
received certain information that a large body of troops had 
sailed from New- York for the rehef of Newport, crossed 
over his whole army to the main land, on the night of the 
thirtieth, without having created in the enemy, such were 
the judicious measures which he had taken, the slightest 
suspicion that he had contemplated the movement which 
was now completed. — Never was there a more fortunate 
retreat. The next day, Sir Henry Chnton arrived with his 
reinforcements, and with ships of war, which would probably 
have entirely cut off the retreat to the continent. 

During this time the Marquis De Lafayette was in Boston, 
endeavouring to conciliate the French admiral, and secure 



MARtltJiS UK LAt'AYETTK. 67 

the return of liis fleet as soon as it should be repaired ; but, 
by great personal exertions, he rejoined the array just in 
time to have the charge of the rear guard, and to view the 
unfortunate issue of an expedition, undertaken not only 
with the fairest prospect of success, but which had been 
carried to the very threshold of a brilliant termination^ 
The rapidity with which he travelled to the scene of danger 
as soon as he learned the retrograde movements of Sullivan, 
and the skill and bravery which he displayed in covering the 
retreat without the loss of a single man, elicited the appro- 
bation of Congress, who, on the ninth of September, 1778^ 
adopted the following resolutioi:i : 

" Resolved, That Mr. President be requested to inform 
the Marquis De Lafayette, that Congress have a due sense 
of the sacrifice he made of his personal feelings in under- 
taking a journey to Boston, with a view of promoting the 
interest of these States, at a time when an occasion was 
daily expected of his acquiring glory in the field, and that 
his gallantry in going on Rhode Island, when the greatest 
part of the army had retreated, and his good conduct in 
bringing off the pickets and out-sentinels, deserve their 
particular approbation." 

Mr. Laurens, the then president of Congress, transmitted 
this flattering testimonial to Lafayette, with the following 
remarks : 



Philadelphia, Sept. 13, 177t!. 

Sir, 

I experience a high degree of satisfaction in fulfilling the 
instructions embraced in the enclosed act of Congress, of 
the ninth instant, which expresses the sentiments of the re- 
Dresentatives of the United States of Aroerica, relative to 



68 HlaTollV OF THL 

your excellent conduct during the expedition recently un- 
dertaken against Rhode Island. 

Receive, Sir, this testimonial on the part of Congress, as a 
tribute of respect and gratitude, offered to you by a free 
people. 

I have the honour to be, with very great respect and es- 
teem, &;c. 

Henry Laurens. 



To this well-merited communication, General Lafayette 
replied as follows : 



Cmnp, Sept, 23, 1778. 

Sir. 

I have just received the letter of the thirteenth instant, 
with which you have favoured me, and in which you com- 
municate the honour that Congress has been pleased to con- 
fer by the adoption of its flattering resolution. Whatever 
sentiments of pride may be reasonably excited by such marks 
of approbation, 1 am not the less sensible of the feelings of 
gratitude, nor of the satisfaction of believing that my efforts 
have, in some measure, been considered as useful to a cause, 
in which my heart is so deeply interested. Have the good- 
ness. Sir, to present to Congress my unfeigned and humble 
thanks, springing from the bottom of my heart, and accom- 
panied with the assurances of my sincere and perfect at- 
tachment, as the only homage worthy of being offered to the 
representatives of a free people. 

From the moment that I first heard the name of America, 
1 loved her : from the moment that I learned her struggles 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTK. 69 

ibr liberty, I was inflamed with the desire of shedding my 
blood in her cause ; — and the moments that may be ex- 
pended in her service, whenever they may occur, or in 
whatever part of the world I may be, shall be considered as 
the happiest of my existence. I feel more ardently than 
ever, the desire of deserving the obliging sentiments with 
which I am honoured by the United States, and by their re- 
presentatives ; and the flattering confidence which they have 
been pleased to repose in me, has filled my heart with the 
liveliest gratitude, and most lasting affection. 

The desertion of Count D'Estaing, at the moment when 
Newport was about to fall into the power of the combined 
armies, greatly irritated the minds of the American commu- 
nity, and many began to entertain a loathing towards allies 
who seemed to forget all interests except their own. Gene- 
ral Sullivan, goaded by chagrin and disappointment, of a 
temperament somewhat warm, and under the influence of a 
deep and just sense of injury, manifested the state of his 
feelings in the general orders issued on the twenty-eighth of 
August. " While," he remarked, " the General wishes them 
(the army) to place a proper confidence in him as their 
commander-in-chief, whose business it is to attend to their 
safety, he yet hopes the event will prove America able to 
procure that by her own arms, which her allies refuse to as- 
sist in obtaining." These expressions being understood to 
impute to the French nation an indisposition to promote 
the interests of the United States, wounded the feelings of 
the French oflicers, and added in no small degree to the re- 
sentments of the moment. The Count D'Estaing addressed 
a communication to Congress, in which his chagrin and irri- 
tation were but ill concealed, and in which he endeavoured 
to justify his conduct. 

The discontent in New-JIngland generally, but particu- 
larly in Boston, where the independent companies and mi- 



%■ 



70 HiSTORY OF THt 

litia had returned in excessive ill-humour, was so great as to 
inspire fears that even the means of repairing the French 
ships would be unattainable ; and it was, in some degree, 
to guard against the mischief to be apprehended from the 
prevalence of such a temper, that Generals Lafayette and 
Hancock had repaired from camp to Boston. Congress, 
together with Washington, and every thinking man in the 
community, foresaw the fatal consequences that would ensue 
from an irreparable breach with their new ally, and took 
the most judicious and persevering measures to allay the 
ferment and restore confidence and harmony. That body 
directed General Washington to make every effort in his 
power to prevent the unwise protest of the officers of Sulli- 
van's army from being made public, and General Greene, 
by his timely personal interference, arrested the despatches 
when on the point of being publicly submitted by the speaker 
to the assembly of Rhode Island, which General Sullivan 
had addressed to the Governor of that state, in the first mo- 
ments of vexation and disappointment, and which complained 
bitterly of the conduct of D'Estaing, in terms calculated to 
increase the general discontent. 

The Marquis de Lafayette experienced extreme anguish, 
which he communicated to Washington, at the injuries he 
supposed to be offered to his country, by the expressions of 
resentment which fell from the officers of the American army. 
But, in the expression of these feelings, while he showed his 
gieat sensibility wherever France was concerned, he also 
manifested the most unlimited attachment to the com- 
mander-in-chief. Washington laboured iiidefatigably to pre- 
vent the evils to be apprehended from the prejudices and 
resentments arising from the conduct of D'Estaing; and 
particularly exerted himself to calm the growing animosities 
found among the French and American officers. " I have 
not now time," he remarked in a letter to General Greene, 
" to take notice of the several arguments which were made 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 71 

use of, for and against the Count's quitting the harbour of 
Newport and saiHng for Boston. Right or wrong, it will 
probably disappoint our sanguine expectation of success ; 
and, which I deem a still worse consequence, I fear it will 
sow the seeds of dissension and distrust between us and our 
new allies, unless the most prudent measures be taken to 
suppress the feuds and jealousies that have already arisen. 
I depend much on your temper and influence to conciliate 
that animosity, which, I plainly perceive by a letter from the 
Marquis, subsists between the American and French oflScers 
in our service. This, you may be assured, will extend itself 
to the Count, and the officers and men of his whole fleet, 
should they return to Rhode-Island, unless a ' econciiiation 
shall have taken place. The marquis speaks kindly of a 
letter from you to him on this subject. He will, therefore, 
take any advice from you in a friendly way ; and if he can 
be pacified, the other French gentlemen will of course be 
satisfied, since they look up to him as their head. The 
Marquis grounds his complaint on a general order of the 
twenty-fourth of August, and upon the universal clamour 
that prevailed against the French nation." 

But notwithstanding the conciliatory measures adopted 
by the authorities of America, as well as by Count D'Estaing 
himself, the tide of popular feeling could not be entirely 
restrained. The conduct of the French officers, and even 
of the common sailors, at Boston, was truly exemplary. 
But this extreme circumspection did not prevent the occur- 
rence, on the thirteenth of September, of a violent affray 
between some Americans and the French, which resulted in 
the death of the Chevalier dc Saint Sauveur. The select- 
men of the town, to allay the resentment of the French, 
showed themselves very solicitous to punish the offenders, 
and declared that the tumult was fomented by English sai- 
lors who had been made prisoners, and deserters from the 
avrnj of Burgoyne. Tranquillity was restored: the Count 






:2 HISTORY OP THE 

D'Estaing made no further inquiry into the affair; no offen- 
der was discovered ; and the government of Massachusetts 
decreed a monument to be erected to Sant Sauveur. — The 
night of the sixth of the same month had witnessed a scene 
far more serious, at Charleston, South Carohna, between 
the French and American sailors. It terminated in a formal 
battle. The French were driven out of the city, and forced 
to take refuge on board their ships, from which they fired 
with artillery and musketry against the town. The Ameri- 
cans, on their part, fired upon the French vessels, from the 
adjoining wharves and stores. Many lives were lost on both 
sides. A reward of a thousand pounds sterling was offered 
to whoever should discover the authors of the tumult, but 
without effect. — Thus ended the riots of Boston and of 
Charleston, which were attributed, if not with truth, at least 
with prudence, to British artifice and instigation. Nothing 
can more clearly demonstrate the instability of public opi- 
nion than the occurrence of these disgraceful scenes. A few 
weeks before, the whole continent resounded with praises 
and gratitude to the king of France, as the saviour of the 
liberties of America, and now, by the conduct, whether right 
or wrong, of one of his officers, these favourable feelings 
were instantaneously converted into hatred and irritation. 

At length, provident and temperate measures triumphed, 
and a breach which threatened very serious consequences, 
was entirely made up. General Greene was successful in 
exerting his personal influence with Lafayette, which could 
be done more with the freedom and familiarity of a friend 
than that of Washington, although it certainly did not possess 
the same parental weight. Their combined endeavours were 
crowned with the success which was anticipated. The 
American officers, after the first ebulhtion of passion, were 
easily pacified ; for theirs was a system of sacrifice for the 
good of the country.* 

* Foi- accounts of the expedition against Rhode Island, &c. &c. vide 
Marshall'? Washington, vol. Jii. ch. 9.— .Journals Cong:ress. vol, iv. p. 



MAH*itiS UK LAFAYE.'i"i'E. 73 

The failure of the plan of Congress for the invasion of 
Canada, to be conducted by the marquis De Lafayette, did 
not change the wishes of that body, and after the commence- 
ment of hostilities between France and Great Britain, the 
subject was again taken up. Towards the autumn of 1779, 
and about the time that Lafayette obtained permission to 
return to France, a plan was completely matured for a com- 
bined aittack, to be made by the allied forces of France and 
^he United States, on all the British dominions on the con- 
tinent, and on the adjacent islands of Cape Breton and New- 
foundland. That nobleman was directed to transmit it to 
Doctor Franklin, the minister of the United States at the 
court of Versailles, with instructions to induce, if possible, 
the French cabinet to accede to it. Great reliance was also 
placed on the influence of the Marquis with his own govern- 
ment. Accordingly, this very extensive plan, prepared 
entirely in the cabinet, without consulting a single military 
character, was, for the first time, transmitted to General 
Washington, in October, with a request that he would 
enclose it by the Marquis de Lafayette, accompanied with 
his observations, to Doctor Franklin. 

Washington was immediately and forcibly struck with the 
absolute impracticability of executing the magnificent plan 
already decided on by Congress, and in a very long and very 
serious letter to Congress, apologized for not obeying their 
orders in delivering the plan, with his observations on it, to 
Lafayette. He entered into a perfect investigation of all 
its parts, and demonstrated the mischiefs and dangers with 
which it was replete. Men recede slowly from favourite 
projects. Hence it was decided that eventual measures, at 
least, ought to be taken for the expedition. Besides which. 



378 ; — Johnson's Life Greeue, vol. i, p. 110 — lib — Memoiies Hist. sUf 
Jkl. de Lafayette, p. 6, 7, 36, 38, 40. — Botta's War ladependenca vol. ii,p. 
•143- 

10 



J4 HlSTORk OF THt 

Congress probably felt, in some degree, committed by the 
conversations which had been held on the subject with La- 
fayette, and the minister of France. That body, there- 
fore, directed General Washington to write to the Marquis, 
who had now departed for France, and to the American 
minister in Paris, relative to the adoption of eventual mea- 
sures, in case an armament should be sent from France to 
Quebec. The Commander-in-Chief, however, whose objec- 
tions to the proposed plan remained in full force, resolved 
not to open a correspondence for the purpose of soliciting 
the concurrence of France in an expedition to which he was 
firmly opposed. Requesting, therefore, a personal confer- 
ence, he laid before them such satisfactory reasons for the 
opinions which he had adopted, that the expedition against 
Canada was entirely given up. — Thus was General Lafa- 
yette relieved from the necessity of urging to the French 
government the adoption of a plan, which promised little 
hopes of success, and left entirely free to pursue his solicita- 
tions for aid in a manner better adapted to promote the 
cause of independence. 

In the month of January, 1779, the Marquis de Lafayette 
epibarked at Boston, on a voyage to France, in the conti- 
nental frigate Alliance. Ambitious of fame on another the- 
atre, and anticipating a war on the continent of Europe, 
he was desirous of tendering his services to his king and his 
own country. But another principal object was to exert 
his influence in favour of the United States at tlie court of 
Versailles. He had witnessed and felt the mortifying em- 
barrassments which environed the active promoters of the 
revolution, from a combination of causes, which could be 
best explained in personal and reiterated interviews with 
those who directed the policy of the French cabinet. Some 
f€tar, also, was entertained that unfavourable results might 
jxroceed from the fracas which occurred at Rhode Island, 
jmjl fhe cons'efiuent (Excesses committed in Boston antJ 



MARCiUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 75 

Charleston. — General Washington, from motives of real 
friendship, as well as political reasons, was very desirous of 
preserving Lafayette's connexion with the army, and of 
strengthening his attachment to America. He, therefore, 
in the following letter to the president of Congress, ex- 
pressed his wishes that Lafayette, instead of resigning his 
commission, might have unlimited leave of absence, to rec- 
tum when it should be convenient to himself 5 and might 
carry with him every mark of the confidence of the go- 
vernment. 



Head Quarters, October &, 1778. 

Sir, 

This letter will be presented to you by Major General La- 
fayette. The generous motives which formerly induced 
him to cross the ocean, and serve in the armies of the United 
States, are known to Congress. The same praise-worthy 
reasons now urge him to return to his native country, 
which, under existing circumstances, has a claim to lois 
services. 

However anxious he was to fulfil the duty which he owes 
to his king and country, that powerful consideration could 
not induce him to leave this continent, while the fate of tlue 
campaign remains undecided. He is, therefore, determined 
to remain until the termination of the present campaign, 
and takes advantage of the present cessation from hostilities, 
to communicate his designs to Congress, so that the neces- 
sary arrangements may be made at a convenient season, 
while he is at hand, if occasion should offer, to distinguish 
himself in the army. 

At the same time, the Marquis, being desirous of pres^r- 
vin^ his connexion with this country, and hoping fljact Jbp 



T6 HISTOllY OF THE 

may enjoy opportunities of being useful to it, as an Ame- 
rican officer, only solicits leave of absence, for the purpose 
of embracing the views which have been already suggested. 

The pain which it costs me to separate from an officer 
who possesses all the military fire of youth, with a rare ma- 
turity of judgment, would lead me, if the choice depended 
on my wishes, to place his absence on the footing which he 
proposes. I shall always esteem it a pleasure to be able to 
give those testimonials of his services to which they are 
entitled, from the bravery and conduct which have dis- 
tinguished him on every occasion ; and I do not doubt that 
Congress will, in a proper manner, express how sensibly 
they appreciate his merits, and how much they regret his 
departure. 

T have the honour to be, &c. 

George Washington. 



Some time after this flattering communication, the Mar- 
quis addressed a noble and generous letter to Congress on the 
same subject. 



Philadelphia, October 155, 1778. 

Sib, 

However attentive I ought to be not to employ the pre- 
cious moments of Congress in the consideration of private 
affairs, I beg leave, with that confidence which naturally 
springs from aflfection and gratitude, to unfold to them the 
circumstances in which I am, at present, situated. It is im- 
possible to speak more appropriately of the sentiments 
which attach me to my own country, than in the presence 
of citizfens who have done so much for their own. Ro long 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 17 

as I have had the power of regulating my own actions, it 
has been my pride and pleasure to fight beneath the banners 
of America, in the defence of a cause, which I may dare 
more particularly to call ours, as I have shed my blood in 
its support. 

Now, Sir, that France is engaged in war, I am urged both 
by duty and patriotism, to present myself before my sove- 
reign to know in what manner he may be pleased to employ 
my services. The most pleasing service that I can render, 
will be that which enables me to serve the common cause, 
among those whose friendships I have had the happiness to 
obtain, and in whose fortunes I participated, when your 
prospects were less bright than they now are. This mo- 
tive, together with others which Congress will properly 
appreciate, induce me to request permission to return to my 
own country in the ensuing winter. 

So long as a hope remained of an active campaign, I 
never indulged the idea of leaving the army ; but the pre- 
sent state of peace and inaction leads me to prefer, to Con- 
gress, this petition. If it should be pleased to grant my re- 
quest, the arrangements for my departure shall be taken in 
such a manner, that the result of the campaign shall be 
known before they are put in execution. I enclose a letter 
from his excellency. General Washington, consenting to the 
leave of absence which I wish to obtain. I flatter myself 
that you will consider me as a soldier on leave of absence, 
ardently wishing to rejoin his colours, as well as his beloved 
comrades. If, when I return to the midst of my fellow 
citizens, it is believed that I can, in any manner, promote 
the prosperity of America, — if my most strenuous exertions 
can promise any useful results, I trust. Sir, that I shall 
always be considered as the man who has the prosperity of 



78 HISTORY OP THE 

the United States most at heart, and who entertains for 
their representatives the most perfect love and esteem. 

I have the honour to be, &c. 

Lafayette. 



Congress acceded, without hesitation, to the wishes oi 
the Marquis. They knew that the confidence of America in 
him was well placed, and that he would use all his influence, 
at the court of Versailles, in her favour. Never, indeed, 
did a foreigner, whose primary attachments were to his own 
country, feel more anxious solicitude for the welfare of 
another, than was unceasingly manifested by this young 
nobleman for the United States. — On the twenty-first of 
October, Congress, in addition to the leave of absence which 
had been required, adopted the most flattering resolutions : 

Resolved, That the Marquis De Lafayette, major-general 
in the service of the United States, have leave to go to 
France ; and that he return at such time as shall be most 
convenient to him. 

Resolved, That the president write a letter to the Marquis 
De Lafayette, returning him the thanks of Congress for that 
disinterested zeal which led him to America, and for the 
services he hath rendered to the United States, by the exer- 
tion of his courage and abilities on many signal occasions. 

Resolved, That the minister plenipotentiary of the United 
States of America at the court of Versailles, be directed to 
cause an elegant sword, with proper devices, to be made 
and presented, in the name of the United States, to the 
Marquis De Lafayette. 

A draught of a letter of recommendation to hi» most 



aiARftUla UE LAFAYETTE. f^ 

Christian majesty, the king of France, in favour of La- 
fayette, was also reported and agreed to. 

According to the second resolution, these honourable 
evidences of the high character which he enjoyed in the 
estimation of the American community, were conveyed to 
the Marquis with the following observations, by the presi- 
dent of Congress : 



Philadelphia, October 24, 1778. 

Sir, 

I had the honour to communicate to Congress, your letter 
soliciting leave of absence, and I am authorized by that 
body to express to you its thanks for the zeal you have 
shown in defence of the just cause in which it is engaged, 
and for the disinterested services you have rendered to the 
United States of America. — As a testimonial of the high 
esteem and affection which the people of these States en- 
tertain towards you, and as an acknowledgement of the 
bravery and military talents which you have displayed on 
many signal occasions, the representatives of the people, in 
Congress assembled, have directed the American minister at 
the court of Versailles, to present you with an elegant 
sword. 

Enclosed you will find an act of congress, of the twenty- 
first instant, authorizing these declarations, and granting you 
permission to return to France, and extending the leave of 
absence at your will. 

I pray the Almighty to bless and protect you, and to guide 
you in safety to the presence of your friends, and to a h^ippy 
meeting with your noble family. 

I have the honour to be, &:c. 

Henry Lauren's. 



30 HISTORY OF 'iHE 

To this communication, the Marquis de Laiayette made 
the following reply : 



Philadelphia, October 26, 1778. 

fciiB, 

I have received your excellency's obliging letter, contain- 
ing the several resolutions which Congress have done me the 
honour to adopt, and the leave of absence which it has been 
pleased to grant : nothing can afford me more happiness 
than the belief that my services have obtained its approba- 
tion. The glorious marks of confidence and satisfaction 
which I have received, at different times, from the represen- 
tatives of America, although greater than my merits, cannot 
surpass the feelings of gratitude which they have occasioned. 
I consider the noble present which has been made to me in 
the name of the United States, as a most flattering honour, 
and my most ardent desire is speedily to employ that sword in 
their service, against the common enemy of my country 
and of its faithful and beloved allies. 

May liberty, abundance, and concord, for ever reign in the 
United States : this is the ardent wish of a heart overflowing 
with unbounded zeal, love, and devotion, for this country, 
and with the highest respect and most sincere affection for 
its representatives. 

Be pleased, Sir, to present to them my tlianks, and ac- 
cept for yourself the assurance of my respectful attach- 
ment. 

1 have the honour to be. 

With profound veneration, k.c. &lc. 

Lafayette, 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 81 

Oft the voyage to France, General Lafayette was exposed 
to new and unexpected dangers. It was found difficult, in 
Boston, to procure the necessary complement of men ne- 
cessary for the frigate Alliance, the national vessel appro- 
priated to convey him to his own country : hence more tiian 
half the crew was composed of English sailors who had 
been made prisoners. Eight days before their arrival in 
Europe, a conspiracy was formed among the foreigners on 
board, the execution of which was prevented by the merest 
accident. Mistaking an American for one of their own 
countrymen, the English conspirators entrusted him with 
their secret, and offered him the command of the vessel, 
which, according to the proclamation of the King of Great 
Britain, (containing more policy than morality,) became the 
property of the mutineers. But the honest American re- 
vealed the plot to the officers only an hour previous to the 
time appointed for their general massacre. During this 
conspiracy and consequent confusion, the French and Ame- 
rican sailors, without exception, made common cause against 
the English. 

Thus this gallant nobleman returned to France, the leader 
of armies, the counsellor of statesmen, and the friend of 
philosophers, at the premature age of twenty-two years ? 
The court and the people alike came forward to receive and 
welcome the young hero, who had reflected such credit on 
his country ; who united the gay, gallant, fearless spirit of 
ancient chivalry, to the modern principles of philosophical 
liberty- 

During this visit Doctor Franklin presented to him the 
sword ordered by Congress previous to his departure from 
America, which he accompanied with the following letter: 



IL 



S'rZ HI>TOKV or THE 

Passy, August 24, '1770^ 

Sir, 

The Congress, sensible of your merit towards the Unite<^ 
States, but unable adequately to rcioard it, deterntiined to 
present you with a sword, as a small mark of their grateful 
acknowledgment. They directed it to be ornamented with 
suitable devices. Some of the principal actions of the war. 
in which you distinguished yourself by your bravery and 
conduct, are, therefore, represented upon it. These, with 
a few emblematic figures, all admirably well executed, make 
its principal value. By the help of the exquisite artists 
Prance affords, I find it easy to express every thing but the 
sense we have of your worth and our obligations to you. For 
this, figures, and even w^ords, are found insufficient. — I- 
therefore, only add, that, with the most perfect esteem and 
respect, I have the honour to be. 

Your obedient servant, 

B. Fhankhn. 



This sword was presented to the Marquis, at Havre, by 
the grandson of Doctor Franklin. On the four sides of the 
coquUle are engraved representations of the battle of Mon- 
mouth, of the affair of Gloucester in New Jersey, and of 
the retreat from Barren Hill, and from Rhode Island : on 
one side of the handle, the Marquis is represented as wound- 
ing the British lion ; and on the other as receiving a branch 
of laurel from America, under the form of a female, whose 
chains are broken. The pommel is, on one side, ornamented 
with the arms of Lafayette, and on the other with an emblem 
of America, represented by a crescent enlightening a half- 
civilized and half-cultivated country. On this part of the 
sword is also a figure of Fame bearing the arms of France, 
and a representation of the vessel in which he first came 



to America. The bow of the hilt bears the foilowing in- 
scription : 

Presented by Congress to M. ie Marquis de Lafayette. 

The ardent zeal displayed by him in his solicitations to 
the French court in favour of the United States, merits the 
warmest gratitude of every American bosom. His tempo- 
rary absence did not in the slightest degree diminish that 
passionate ardour for the promotion of American indepen- 
dence, which the aft'ectionate attentions he had received, 
the enthusiasm of a soldier in the cause of those for whom 
he had made his first campaign, and by whom he had been 
highly distinguished, combined with a consciousness that 
he was substantially promoting the permanent interests of 
France, were all so well calculated to inspire in a young and 
generous mind, in favour of an infant people, struggling for 
liberty and self government, with the hereditary rival of his 
government. Being received at Versailles with every mark 
of distinction and favour, he employed all the interest he 
had acquired in impressing on the cabinet, the importance 
and policy of granting succours to the United States. His 
success was equal to the noble motives by which he was 
actuated. The court, governed by political expediency, 
endeavoured to feed the flame which consumed the strength 
of Great Britain ; and little dreamed that from that flame 
a spark would proceed, which would eventually kindle the 
inflammable mass collected within its own bosom.*" 
• 

Without any regular authority from Congress, the Mar- 
quis, taking upon himself the entire responsibility of those 
measures, employed himself assiduously in soliciting assist- 
ance in men, money, and clothing. In this favourite ob- 
ject, he was aided by the representations of the minister of 

'■' Lady Morgan's France, book viii.-^Marsh. Washinglou, vol, iv, ch,5 



84 HISTORV OF THt 

France at Philadelphia ; and the succours which he procured 
were varioire and important. He prevailed on the French 
court to embark heartily in the cause, and obtained from it 
a promise to despatch a formidable fleet and army to the 
ports of the United States. An extract from a letter written 
on the fifth of March, 1 780, by Doctor Franklin to General 
Washington, will serve to show the estimation in which he 
was held by that sagacious philosopher and statesman : " I 
received but lately the letter your excellency did me the 
honour of writing to me, in recommendation of the Mar- 
quis de Lafayette. His modesty detained it long in his own 
hands. We became acquainted, however, from the time of 
his arrival in Paris ; and his zeal for the honour of our 
country, his activity in our affairs here, and his firm attach- 
ment to our cause and to you, impressed me with the same 
regard and esteem for him that your excellency -s letter 
would have done, had it immediately been delivered to 
me.'"* 

Having succeeded in his primary object, and finding no 
probability of active employment on the continent of Eu- 
rope, Lafayette renounced the continued triumph afforded 
him by the universal homage and admiration of his country- 
men, and once again crossed the ocean to resume his career 
of glory. In the latter part of April, 1780, he arrived at 
Boston in the royal frigate Hermione, Captain Le Touche. 
The day of his landing was one of public rejoicing. The 
inhabitants flocked to the shore to receive their generous 
defender, and he v/as conducted, amid the roar of Gannon, 
the ringing of bells, and the enlivening strains of military 
music, to the house which the municipal authorities had 
prepared for his accommodation. The day was concluded 
by a brilliant display of fire-works in the public places. He 
escaped, as soon as possible, from the scenes of festivity, 
and the manifestations of public joy, which this cheering in- 
telligence had occasioned, and hastened to head quarters. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. Qd 

where he arrived on the twelfth of May. He was received 
with open arms, by General Washington, whose heart needed 
some such balm, for the affairs of America were not then in 
a prosperous train. The joyful news brought by his illus- 
trious friend, buoyed up the spirit of the father of America. 
He brought with him the welcome tidings, that large rein- 
forcements were immediately to be forwarded to the French 
army and navy. He announced that the troops were al- 
ready embarked, and the ships that bore them on the point 
of sailing for America. 

Congress received the noble Marquis with those marks 
of distinction and regard, to which his constant and indefa- 
tigable zeal in the support of their cause, as well as this last 
signal service, gave him such just pretensions. Having 
offered his services to that body on the thirteenth of May, 
the following resolution was immediately adopted : 

^^ Resolved, That Congress consider the return of the 
Marquis de Lafayette to America, to resume his command, 
as a fresh proof of the disinterested zeal and persevering at- 
tachment which have justly recommended him to the public 
confidence and applause ; and that they receive with plea- 
sure a tender of the further services of so gallant and meri- 
torious an officer." 

The intelligence brought by him, gave a new impulse both 
to Congress and the state legislatures ; and the lethargic slum- 
ber in which they seemed to be sinking, yielded to resolu- 
tions of the most vigorous complexion. His very return 
was grateful to the American people, and especially re- 
doubled the ardour of the soldiers, who mutually incited 
each other to show themselves worthy of the allies they ex- 
pected. They declared aloud that eternal reproach would 
be their portion, if, through a base and unmanly apathy, 
they should lose the glorious occasion now offered to them 



yt> HISTORY Of THK 

by this powerful co-operation of France. The Congress, 
and all the estabhshed authorities, as well as influential pri- 
vate citizens, neglected no means that could cherish and 
propagate this new enthusiasm ; and their efforts had, in 
some measure, the desired effect. Thus the arrival of La- 
fayette was the signal of restoring confidence, of arousing 
the flagging spirit of the nation, and of reviving the authori- 
ty, and giving fresh vigour to the measures, of Congress.* 
About the middle of June, the Count De Rochambeau ar- 
rived at Rhode Island from Brest, with between five and six 
thousand select troops, and the Chevalier de Tornay with 
seven ships of the line, and several frigates. 

Soon after the return of General Lafayette, he was ap- 
pointed to command the van of Washington's army. His 
division was selected from the different corps : the first 
brigade was commanded by General Hand, with Colonels 
Van Courtlandt, Ogden, and Stewart; — the second by 
General Poor, with Colonels Shephard, Swift, and Gimat. 
There was also a troop of horse attached to it, commanded 
by Colonel Henry Lee, as well as a major's command of 
artillery. Of all these officers then animated with the 
prospect of glory, and glittering in martial pomp, it is 
believed that all have descended to the tomb, but Generals 
Lafayette and Van Courtlandt.t In 1780, the Marquis De 
Chastellux, during his travels in America, visited the camp 
of Lafayette, in New Jersey, which he found placed in an 
excellent position. It occupied two heights separated by a 

=? For accouuts of his visit to France in 1779-1780, vide Mem. Hist, sur 
Lafayette. — Toulongeon, Hist, de France, tome i, appendix, p. 97. — Lady 
Morgan's France, p. 316.— Port Folio, vol. xix, p. 501, 2.— Botta's War In- 
dopend.vol. iii,p. 194. — Hist. France, vol. iii,p.|211. — Marsh. Life Wash- 
ington, vol. iii, 531 : iv, 237. — Thacher's Journal, p. 533. — Journal Con- 
gress, vol. iv. 446 : vi. 49. 

t We are, however, ignorant as it respects Colonel Gimat and the mafor 
<."oramanding the artillerv. • 



f 

MARQUIS »K LAFAYETTE. 87 

smali bottom, but with an easy communication between 
them. The river Totowaw, or Second River, protected its 
right ; and the principal part of the front, and al l tli f>-fp.f> 
flank, to a great distance, were covered by a rivulet flowing 
from the town of Paramus, and falling into the Totowaw. 
It was only twenty miles distant from York island. This 
vanguard consisted of light infantry, or what is the same 
thing, of a corps selected from the army. His troops niade 
an excellent appearance. They were better clothed than 
the rest of the army ; the uniform of both officers and sol- 
diers, which was principally furnished at the expense of the 
Marquis, had a neat and military appearance, and each sol- 
dier wore a helmet made of hard leather, with a crest of 
horsehair. The officers were armed with espontoons, and the 
subalterns with fusils ; the former were provided with short 
and light sabres, brought from France, and presented to 
them by General Lafayette. This select corps, he formed 
and modulated, according to his own wishes, and infused 
among them a spirit of pride and emulation. They were 
the pride of his heart ; — he was the idol of their devotion. 
Deserving the highest confidence, and pronounced, by Euro- 
pean veterans, to be equal to any corps in any country, they 
panted for some signal achievement, worthy of their own 
character, and worthy of the name of their illustrious com- 
mander. His dragoons were extremely well mounted, and 
did not shrink from meeting those of Great Britain, over 
whom they had gained several advantages ; but they had 
never been numerous enough to form a solid and perma- 
nent body. Tarleton, indeed, discovered a vast difference 
between Lee's dragoons, and a surprised party of ill armed 
infantry and countrymen. But his fortt was in the latter 
species of warfare: a forced march, a surprise, and a bloody 
gazette, are the records of his glory.* 

When the first division of the French reinforcements 
arrived in July, 1780„they found the American force unpre- 

* Chastellux's Trav. vol. i. 101—3, 123, 



.':.u HISTORY OF TUT' 

pared ibr active and offensive co-operation. Yet it vi'as 
necessary for General Washington to communicate to the 
Count De Rochambcau, the system adopted for the residue 
of the campaign. The advanced state of the season 
forbad the idea of waiting for new levies, to execute his 
plan against New- York. Both the engagements of Congress 
and the interests of the United States, determined him im- 
mediately to forward to the French general and admiral : 
definitive proposals of co-operation, and pressed on all sides 
by a chain of difficulties, he resolved to hazard much, rather 
than forego the advantage to be derived from the aid afforded 
by France. The naval superiority of the French being as- 
certained, the general outlines of a plan for attacking New- 
York were drawn up, in which the fifth of August was 
named as the day on which the French troops should re-em- 
bark, and the American army assemble at Morrisania. This 
plan was committed to General Lafayette, who was authori- 
zed to explain fully to the Count De Rochambeau, the 
situation of the American army, and the views of the com- 
mander-in-chief 5 and to go more into detail, respecting the 
enterprise proposed, and others which were contemplated. 

The arrival of Admiral Greaves at New- York, with six 
ships of the line, however, entirely reversed the superiority 
at sea, and this change of circumstances, of course pre- 
vented any other than an eventual plan for the campaign. 
The practicability of De Ternay's acquiring the naval su- 
periority now depended on the arrival of the second divi- 
sion of his squadron from Brest, or a reinforcement from 
Count De Guichen, who commanded the French fleet in the 
West Indies. In the mean-time, Sir Henry Clinton and Ad- 
miral Arbuthnot, formed a plan to attack the French fleet 
and army at Newport. Arbuthnot proceeded to Rhode Is- 
land and cruised off the harbour, while Clinton embarked 
six thousand chosen troops for the purpose of attacking 
Newport by land. But tb^ir designs could not elude the 



MARQUIS DE I-APAYE-fT^E^ 8,9 

penetration of Washington. As it was impracticable to 
reach Rhode Island in time to unite the American troops 
with those of their ally, he resolved to collect all the force 
he could assemble, and making a rapid movement to New- 
York, attack that place during the absence of Sir Henry 
Clinton. Rapidly crossing the North River, he was in full 
march towards Kings-bridge with nearly ten thousand men, 
exclusive of militia, v/hen the sudden return of Sir Henry 
Clinton, who had abandoned the expedition on learning the 
improved state of the fortifications on Rhode Island, defeated 
the hopes which had been formed of finding New- York 
weakly defended. The American army, accordingly rfep 
crossed the Hudson, and took post near Orangetown. 

Intelligence was now received that the second division of 
the fleet designed for the service of the United States, had 
been stopped by a British squadron which completely block- 
aded the port of Brest, and that the Count De Guichen, in- 
stead of coming to the American coast, had sailed for Eu- 
rope. Admiral Rodney also arrived, in September, with 
eleven ships of the line and four frigates. This reinfercje* 
ment completely disconcerted all the plans of the allies, and 
terminated the sanguine hopes which had been formed at 
the opening of the campaign. 

In the mean-time, the hostile armies in the neighbour- 
hood of New- York continued vigilantly to observe eacli 
others motions. But while the British commander ap- 
peared sunk in supineness, he meditated a deep and dark 
scheme, which, could it have taken effect in its full extent^ 
would probably have brought the war to a conclusion, and 
have extinguished. Tor a time, the Independence of Ame- 
rica. General Arnold had distinguished himself in the early 
attack on Quebec, and afterward maintained the high repu- 
tation which he had acquired there by a series of hold and 
enterprising exertions. Plunged by his prxtfu^n fttp pje- 

n 



•90 HISTORY or TKlE 

cuniaiy distresses, he endeavoured to extricate himself, by 
engaging in speculations which proved unfortunate, and 
taking a share in privateers which were unsuccessful. Pos- 
sessing neither the strength of principle, nor the correctness 
of judgment, necessary to withstand the seductions to which 
his high station, as the commander of Philadelphia, ex- 
posed him, he committed gross extortions on the citizens, 
and peculated on the funds of the continent. Brought to 
a court martial, at the instigation of the executive of Penn- 
sylvania, he was sentenced, on the twentj-sixth of January, 
1779, to be reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. This 
Censure alienated his unprincipled rnind from the United 
States ; entrusted with the most important command of 
West Point, in 17 CO, he basely permitted his pecuniary em- 
barrassments, or resentments, to triumph over his fidelity, 
and entered into a close correspondence with the enemies 
of his country. — The particulars of this treacherous at- 
tempt, the unfortunate escape of Arnold, and the capture of 
Major Andre, are well known. Maledictions were heaped 
upon the former, and praises upon those who had arrested 
the latter. A board of general officers was convened to de- 
termine the fate of the gallant and unfortunate Andre: 
among its members, besides many distinguished American 
officers, were the Marquis de Lafayette and Baron Steuben, 
and they were called upon to determine in which character 
the prisoner was to be considered, and to what punishment 
he was liable. 

To the feeling and generous heart of Lafayette, the stern 
performance of this distressing duty occasioned many severe 
pangs. The candour, openness, and magnanimity of Andre, 
made upon his mind the most favourable impressions ; but 
he found himself compelled to unite in the decision which 
condemned to a disgraceful death, a young, brave, and ac- 
complished officer, who united the polish of a court, and the 
refiunemfnts of education, to the heroism of a soldier. Th«^ 



court-martiai, with the deep regret that was excited by .his 
frank and noble demeanour, determined that he was a spy, 
and ought to suffer death. The general officers which com- 
posed it, lamented the sentence which the usages of war 
compelled them to pronounce ; and perhaps on no occasion 
of his life, did Washington obey with more reluctance, the 
stern mandates of duty and of policy. The sympathy ex- 
cited among the American officers by his fate, was as uni- 
versal as is unusual on such occasions. On the second of 
October, 1780, the unhappy victim was executed at Tappan. 
When brought to the foot of the gibbet, he exclaimed, " And 
must I die thus !" He was answered, that it could not be 
otherwise. He did not dissemble his proud grief, and having 
past a few moments in prayer, he pronounced these words, 
which were his last ; " Bear witness that I die as a brave 
man ought to die." Such was the just, but melancholy fate 
of a young man, deserving, in so many respects, a better 
destiny. Andre died with fortitude and dignity, his last 
hours soothed with every mark of attention and regard, and 
his execution accompanied by the tears of the very judges 
who pronounced it. Arnold lived " a recreant and most 
degenerate traitor," branded with infamy, the loathsome 
object of scorn, and regarded with contempt and detesta- 
tion by the honourable, the generous, and the brave, who 
could never forget that he was a sordid villain, first the slave 
of his rage, then purchased with gold, and finally secured 
from the gallows by the blood of one of the most accom- 
plished officers in the British army. 

The events of the campaign of 1 780, although by no 
means adverse, had disappointed the sanguine expectations 
which attended its commencement. But although unmarked 
by any memorable event, the American General had suc- 
ceeded in keeping the enemy shut up in New- York. This 
state of inactivity little accorded with the martial spirit and 
desire of distinction, which animated the Marquis de La- 



9:i HlSTOfll^ OF TH£ 

feyettc* In October, 1780, when Greene was appointed 
to the command of the southern department, many gallant 
spirits earnestly solicited to be enrolled under his banners. 
Among these were Colonel John Laurens, literally the 
'^ chevalier sans peur el sans reproche^'' Colonel Christopher 
Greene, the hero of Red Bank, Doctor M 'Henry, then aid 
ti/General Washington, Major Lee, the celebrated partisan, 
and finally, Lafayette. On the tenth of November, 1780^ 
(he Marquis addressed the following letter to General 
G^eOxe: — 



Mv DEAR FRIEND, 

As seon as your letter from head-quarters came to hand, I 
hastened to make an answer to the several articles it con- 
tained, and was greatly disappointed to hear yt>u were gone 
before it could reach you. For my friends, my dear Sir, I 
have no different feelings from those which I experience for 
myself* 1 therefore feel for you as I would on my own ac- 
count, were I appointed to command the southern army. 
Y«u will, 1 confess, have great difficulties to struggle with, 
the worst of them all will, I fear, be the article of provisions. 
But, on the other hand, defeats are expected from that quar* 
tar. It was yet more the case before Ferguson's affair.* 
Could it have been properly agreeable for the public wel- 
fare, I wish this affair had been postponed. Indeed, my 
friend, if I feel for you on account of the obstacles which 
you will have to encounter, I, on the other hand, cannot help ' 
fpreseeing a great deal of personal glory which you are en- 
titled to hope. But whatever might have been hereafter the 
case ; whatever bad chances, (and in our profession chance 
is something,) a malignant fortune might throw in your way. 

••■• Majcn- Fel-gust)Ti was defeated by a body of militia, at King's Motlii- 
tilin on the seventh of October. Upwanis of eight hundred British were 
nnJtte prisoners, and two hundred and twenty-five Jdli«d or wdunded'. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 93 

believe me, my dear Sir, my friendship as well as my esteem 
for you, are founded upon such a basis as cannot be shaken 
by any run of good or ill luck, which may subject you to the 
praise or the blame of common opinions. In all cases, I 
am heartily willing to have my fate united to yours ; and by 
this junction of stars, to have my little share in any thing, 
good or bad, that may happen to the troops under your 
command. 



As soon as we enter into winter quarters,*! shall the more 
freely ask the General leave to join you ; as, by that time, 
letters from France will have convinced us that my pre- 
sence at head-quarters is not, for some months, useful to his 
purpose of co-operation. By the first of January, at fur- 
thest, and sooner, I hope, I intend to be with you, and to 
consecrate to the country I early loved, under a General I 
have long marked out as my friend, the efforts of my zeal, 
and of any thing, by nature or acquisition, I may be worth 
in the military service. Hamilton has told me that you have 
conversed with him on the manner of being employed that 
you thought most agreeable to me.* Though by my temper 
and principles, I am bound to accept of any thing, and 
cheerfully to act upon any scale that a superior officer thinks 
fit for me, I cannot help acknowledging your kindness, and 
frankly tell you, you arc not mistaken in believing that the 
command of a flying camp, composed of the horse and 
light infantry of your army, will better please me than the 
honourable, but less active command of a wing. As I am 
sure that my friend Lee will apply for being attached to me, 
I beg leave to support the motion of that officer, whom I 
love, and in whom I greatly confide, both for counsel and 
execution. 

* This letter was writtfen by the Marquis in Englisij. 



94 HISTORY 01)' THL 

In case the dispositions of the enemy make you wish that 
1 should repair to such or such any particular place, I will, 
on the least hint from you, ask leave from the General to fly 
there with the greatest despatch. 

Lafayette. 



On the twenty-ninth of December, General Greene com- 
municated to the Marquis the deplorable situation in which 
he was placed, and the little prospect of distinction which 
existed in the southern department. " It is now," he said, 
"within a few days of the time you mentioned of being 
with me. Were you to arrive, you would find a few rag- 
ged, half starved troops, in the wilderness, destitute of 
every thing necessary for either the comfort or convenience 
of soldiers." " Indeed my dear Sir, the department is in a 
most deplorable condition, nor have I a prospect of its 
mending. The country is almost laid waste, and the inha- 
bitants plunder one another with little less than savage fury. 
We live from hand to mouth, and have nothing to subsist 
on but what we collect with armed parties. In this 
situation, 1 believe you will agree with me that there is 
nothing inviting this way, especially when I assure you 
our whole force, fit for duty, that are properly clothed, and 
properly equipped, does not amount to eight hundred men." 
•'Your professions and assurances of friendship are very 
flattering and soothing to my feelings. 1 wish my situation 
and future prospects afforded something more inviting and 
worthy your attention, that I might have an opportunity to 
indulge your wishes and gratify your feelings. But I fear 
this department is to be the great Sarbonian bog to the 
American armies, and particularly to the general ofticers. 

The distresses and privations which awaited him in the 
south produced no effect whatever on the resolution which 



>IAR<4UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 36 

Lafayette had adopted. But he did not reach the southern 
army. After obtaining the permission of the commander- 
in-chief, he had proceeded as far as Philadelphia on his 
way to join General Greene, when he was called upon to 
assist in the negotiation then going on with the French 
minister to forward the concerted co-operation of the 
French fleet in the West Indies, which finally resulted in 
the capture of Cornwallis. After terminating this impor- 
tant affair, he immediately resumed his journey, and had 
advanced as far as Petersburg, when he was recalled to take 
the command of the expedition against Arnold in Virginia. 

In the month of December, 1780, the traitor Arnold, 
now a Brigadier-General in the British service, was des- 
patched from New- York, with about sixteen hundred men. 
and landed at Westover on the fourth of January, which is 
distant on James River, about one hundred and forty miles 
from the Capes of Virginia. The next day he entered 
Richmond, where he ravaged both public and private pro- 
perty. Afterward, proceeding slowly down the river, 
followed by Baron Steuben, he destroyed several mills on 
his way, and established himself on the twentieth at Ports- 
mouth, where Steuben, finding himself unable to force the 
position, stationed his troops in such a manner as to confine 
him to the narrowest possible limits. During this expedi- 
tion, devastation had been extended, under Arnold's direc- 
tion, until even his greedy appetite was cloyed, and his re- 
vengeful heart sated. As if he coveted to couple the name 
of bandit with that of traitor, he carried fire and sword 
wherever he went. Washington, not less surprised than 
mortified at the tidings from Virginia, bestowed his immedi- 
ate attention upon that quarter. He addressed himself to 
Rochambeau, commanding the land forces of his Most 
Christian Majesty, and to Monsieur Destouches, admiral of 
his squadron in the American seas, urging them to seize the 
present moment for inflicting a severe blow on the common 



36 HISTORY OP THE 

ene^ny. Providentially, the French possessed, at this mo- 
ment, the superiority on the sea, the British having suffer- 
ed severely in a storm off Long Island. The Prench 
Admiral sent an inefficient force to the Chesapeake under 
M. de Tilly, who, discovering his inability to execute the 
expected service, immediately returned to Newport. 

In the mean-time, General Washington had detached the 
Marquis de Lafayette, with a corps of twelve hundred light 
infantry, drafted from the lines of New-England and New- 
Jersey, for the purpose, of marching to the head of Elk, 
there to embark for that part of Virginia which was become 
the theatre of action, under convoy of a French frigate 
which he expected to obtain from the admiral. The com- 
mander-in-chief himself hastened to Newport to use his 
personal exertions to facilitate the execution of the enter- 
prise ; and it was determined that a detachment of the 
French army, then in readiness, should be embarked under 
the Count de Viominil. Two days after the fleet had sailed, 
it was followed by the British admiral, and a partial engage- 
ment ensued off the Capes of Virginia, which continued 
about an hour. A council of war was called the next day, 
and it being decided that it was unadviseable to renew the 
action, the French vessels returned to Newport. 

During these operations. General Lafayette had embarked 
his detachment at the head of Elk, and proceeded with it to 
Annapolis, in Maryland, where he waited for a frigate from 
the French squadron to convoy it to Virginia. The ren- 
contre of the fleets, and the return of the French admiral 
to Newport, having rendered the object of the expedition 
unattainable, Lafayette re-embarked his detachment, and 
returned to the head of Elk, where he received orders to 
join the southern army. 

Thus Arnold escaped from, probably, the most imminent 
danger in which he had ever been involved. Had tire 



MARCiUIS UE LAFAVETTE. 97 

French forces reached the Chesapeake unopposed, the 
British must have fallen, and the American traitor would 
have expiated his atrocious crime on a gibbet. So persua- 
ded was Washington that this was now the probable ter- 
mination to his infamous life, that he instructed the Mar- 
quis de Lafayette not to admit any stipulation, in his sur- 
render, for his safety, and forbade the smallest injury to 
the person of Arnold ; his object being to bring him to 
public punishment, agreeably to the rules and regula- 
tions established by Congress for the government of the 
army. 

Sir Henry Clinton, sensible of the vulnerable condition 
of Arnold, hastened the Embarkation of a considerable 
body of troops, under Major General Phillips, consisting of 
two thousand men. This powerful reinforcement debark- 
ed at Portsmouth on the twenty-sixth of March to the 
great joy of Arnold, whose apprehensions during the pre- 
ceding three weeks had been unceasing and excruciating. — 
General Phillips, on his arrival, took command of all 
the British troops in Virginia, and had the decided su- 
periority over any force that could be brought against 
him. Having occupied himself in completing the fortifica- 
tions of Portsmouth, as soon as that object was effected, he 
prepared for offensive operations. 

The arrival of Phillips changed the destination of La- 
fayette, to whom the defence of Virginia was now commit- 
ted. At the head of Elk, he received an express from 
the commander-in-chief, announcing the sailing of Phillips, 
directing him to proceed to Virginia to take the command 
of the troops collected and collecting for its protection, 
and urging him to prevent, if possible, the meditated de- 
scent of that general or his junction with Cornwallis. He, 
accordingly, prepared to execute these orders, and as the 
command of the bay by the British rendered it hazardous 
again to attempt the passage to Annapolis, the line of march 
was taken up for Baltimore, ascending the east side of the 
bay. 

13 



96 UISXORV OF THE 

The troops under his command had been taken chiefly 
from the eastren regiments, and had imbibed strong pre- 
judices against a southern chmate. The service on which 
they were detached, was not expected to be of long du- 
ration, and they were consequently unprepared for a cam- 
paign in a department where no relief from the most 
pressing wants could be procured. When they marched 
from the head of Elk, it was the early part of the month 
of April, and the north winds still blew keen. The half 
naked soldiers became sullen and intractable. The states 
on whom the duty devolved had neglected to clothe them, 
and the United States had neither money nor credit to 
supply the deficiency. In a letter to General Greene, the 
Marquis gave an interesting and exculpatory account of the 
sufferings of his soldiers, whom he was obliged to punish 
with one hand, and relieve with the other. Such had been 
the necessity for secrecy and despatch, when they were or- 
dered off from New Windsor in the state of New -York, 
that they were hurried away under an impression that they 
were proceeding on a march of a few days. The conse- 
quence was, that even the officers were destitute of money, 
clothing, and every thing that could contribute to clean- 
liness and comfort. When they arrived at Trenton, they 
were crowded on board of shallops, and passing down to 
New Castle, were landed and marched across the isthmus 
to the head of the Elk. Here they began to take a de- 
liberate survey of their situation, and, at this time, their 
murmurs were suppressed only by the suggestion of a short 
and rapid expedition against Arnold. On their retrogade 
march, they were still contented, for they were approach- 
ing the depository of their wives, and of the few httle 
comforts which their encampment had afforded them. — 
Money had also been transmitted to head quarters by 
the State of Massachusetts, for the pay of her troops ; 
and present sufferings were forgotten under the enliven- 
ing prospects of approaching enjoyments. But every 
hope was blighted when the co;^ntem)anding orders ar- 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 99 

rested their progress. Without tents, — for many, even 
of the officers, slept in the open air ; — their shoes worn 
out, — their hats lost in their repeated voyages ; — in a state 
(as the Marquis expresses it,) " of shocking nakedness." — 
not the least particle of baggage attending their march, — 
no provision made for a protracted absence from their 
wives and families, many of whom had joined them and 
been left at their winter quarters ; — murmuring at being 
thus hurried off, without notice to prepare for the service 
they were entering upon ; — reasonably fearing that their 
destination was to serve in a climate which they dreaded, — 
and supported by the general pity which their case ex- 
cited ; — such was the temper of his army, that many of 
the officers assured the Marquis, that it would speedily 
be reduced to one half by desertion. Facts supported 
the assertion, for thirteen out of one company deserted 
in a single day. — To add to the general distress, a nau- 
seous and contagious disease generally produced, and 
always aggravated, by a want of cleanliness, had near- 
ly overspread the whole camp ; and naked and exposed 
and kept in motion, as the soldiers were, the ordinary 
remedies could not be applied for their cure, with safe- 
ty to their general health. Desertion cannot, for any 
cause, be pardoned in an army : but it is impossible to 
view such a complication of distresses in a camp, without 
admiring tlie passive merit which could resist the impulse 
to desert. 

But the firm and generous spirit of the Marquis de La- 
fayette triumphed over these difficulties, and his energetic 
appeals to the honourable principles of his soldiers, — prin- 
ciples on which the feelings of his own bosom taught him 
to rely — were crowned with success. His purse was as 
open as his heart. As unmindful of money as he was am- 
bitious of fame, he resolved, by a noble and generous act, 
tq conciliate his troops, and strengthen them in tlie good 
disposition of the moment. Such were his zeal and public 



100 HISTORY OF THE 

spirit, — such the confidence and respect of the people, — 
that at a time, when the credit of Congress was so low 
that nothing could be obtained on its promises, he was 
able to borrow, on his private credit, ten thousand dollars 
from the merchants of Baltimore, with which he purchased 
shoes, linen, spirits, and other articles of immediate ne- 
cessity, for his detachment : And it is not unworthy of 
notice, that every fair hand in Baltimore was promptly 
set in motion, in preparing his purchases for immediate 
use. 

The following extract from a letter to General Greene 
from Mr. M'Henry, the president of the Baltimore board of 
war, exhibits the arduous situation and noble liberality of 
the Marquis at this time : 



"Baltimore, April 16, 1781. 

" While I admire your policy, I have more than once 
pitied the Marquis'* situation. His troops passed here 
yesterday, discontented almost to general desertion ; — des- 
titute of shirts, and proper equipments, and~ in most re- 
spects, unprovided for a march. You know the Marquis : 
He has been with us but two days ; but, in this time, he 
adopted an expedient to conciliate them to a degree, 
which no one but himself would have thought of To- 
day, he signs a contract, binding himself to certain mer- 
chants of this place, for above two thousand guineas, to 
be disposed of in shirts, overalls, and hats, for the detach- 
ment. Without these the army could not proceed; and 
with these, he has managed to reconcile them to the ser- 
vice. He is also bent upon trying the power of novelty on 
their minds, by giving to the march the air of a frolic. His 
troops will ride in wagons and carts, from Elkridge landing 

* In speaking of Lafayette, the compreliensive term '■'■ the Marqtdf," 
was universally used, and as universally understood. 



MARt^UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 101 

to the limits of this state, and how much further he will 
continue this mode of movement, depends on Virginia." 

In a letter from the Marquis to General Greene, on the 
same subject, he observes : " As our brave and excellent 
men (for this detachment is exceedingly good,) are shock- 
ingly destitute of linen, I have borrowed from the mer- 
chants of Baltimore a sum on my credit, which will amount 
to about two thousand pounds, and will procure a few hats, 
some shoes, some blankets, and a pair of linen overalls, to 
each man. I hope to set the Baltimore ladies at work for 
the shirts, which will be sent after me, and the overalls will 
be made by our tailors. I will use my influence to have the 
money added to the loan which the French court have 
made to the United States, and in case I cannot succeed, 
bind myself to the merchants for payment, with interest, in 
two years." 

Great and just was the eclat acquired by the Marquis 
De Lafayette on the occasion. His cotemporaries ap- 
peared at a loss which most to admire, his ingenuity, 
magnanimity, decision, or engaging urbanity. By these 
happy expedients, tranquillity and discipline were once 
more restored to his command ; and every wagon or 
cart that could be procured, being put in requisition, 
the troops were rapidly hurried forward to Richmond, 
The novelty and relief pleased the soldiers ; the in- 
creasing distance from their homes diminfshed the fa- 
cility of desertion ; the baggage and artillery were left 
to follow on ; and the time thus gained was barely suffi- 
cient to check the advance of General Phillips. As La- 
fayette entered Richmond, the British army made its ap- 
pearance at Manchester, on the opposite bank of James 
River.* 

During this time, the inroads of Philips and Arnold into 

* Johnson's Life Greene, Vol. II. chap. 12, p. 38 — 51. MTsh. Wash- 
ington—Vol. IV. chap. VIII, p. 323, 424. 



102 HISTORY OF THE 

Virginia were signalized by devastation and pillage.* Em- 
barking about two thousand five hundred men, Philips 
had ascended James River and landed below Petersburg. 
The next day he occupied that city, after some slight 
skirmishing with a body of militia under Baron Steuben, 
amounting to only one thousand men, and pursuing the 
usual marauding system, he burned the ware-houses sto- 
red with tobacco, and all the vessels lying in the river. 
Every thing valuable was destroyed, and the wealth of 
this flourishing town, in a few hours disappeared. Prose- 
cuting this war of devastation, the gallant commanders 
separated in search of tobacco-houses, and re-united their 
divisions on the route to Manchester, a small village south 
of James River, and within view of the metropolis. — 
Here the tobacco-war was renewed, great quantities of 
that article being found in the ware-houses. Nothing now 
remained on the south side of James River, below the 
falls, for the firebands of these ruthless invaders ; all the 
tobacco, and every thing else that was valuable, within 
reach, were burnt, or conveyed on board their ships. — 
It was necessary to cross to Richmond, or lay aside the 
torch. 

But the opportune arrival of General Lafayette, on 
the preceding evening, after a forced march of two hun- 
dred miles, put an insuperable bar to the project of taking 
the capital, and Richmond, in which a great proportion 
of the military stores of the state were then collected, 
was saved for the present, from the desolations of the ene- 
my. At this place the Marquis formed a junction with 
the Baron Steuben, and found himself at the head of about 
one thousand regulars, two thousand militia, and sixty dra- 
goons, while the British force consisted of nearly four thou- 
sand veteran troops. A singular coincidence now presented 
itself to the public eye. The father of Lafayette had fal- 

7 During these predatory excursions, the destruction, in the single 
article of tobacco was enormous ; it amounted to about ten thousand 
liogsheads. 



MARCiUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 103 

len at the battle of Minden, by a shot from the artillery, 
then commanded by General Philips. This fact is noticed 
by the Marquis De Lafayette in a letter to General 
Greene, touching his continuance in the command of 
Virginia. " I will now only mention, that General Phi- 
lips' battery, at Minden, having killed my father, I should 
have on objection to contract the latitude of his plans." 
At the same time General Lafayette modestly solicited 
to be confirmed in his command. As the direction 
of the military operations in Virginia had been delega- 
ted to Steuben, while Lafayette was designed for a com- 
mand in the main army, the Baron had expressed the 
most serious chagrin at being superseded, at the very 
moment when an opportunity presented itself for active 
service. To give umbrage to either of two officers 
whom he valued so highly, would have been, to Gen- 
eral Greene, the subject of very great regret : all his 
address was necessary to manage so as to continue 
Lafayette in command, without disgusting a man whose 
zeal and fidelity had rendered him such important ser- 
vices. But Steuben had become unpopular in Virginia, 
and every thing was to be expected from the strong 
public partialities in favour of Lafayette, and the high 
opinion justly entertained of his capacity as a soldier. 
Greene addressed the Baron as a friend, a man of un- 
derstanding, and a zealous advocate of the cause and the 
latter submitted with a magnanimity and self denial, 
which furnish not the least of his claims to the gra- 
titude of America.* 

Not thinking it advisable to attempt the passage of 
the river, Philips marched back to Bermuda Hundred, 
a point of land at the confluence of the James and 
Appomattox rivers, destroying in his way property to an 
immense amount. At that place he re-embarked his 
troops, and fell down as far as Hog Island, which he 

* Johnson's Greene, Vol. 11. p. 52- 



104 HISTORY OF THE 

reached on the fifth of May. The Marquis de Lafay 
ette followed cautiously on the north side of the river, 
until he reached the head waters of the Chickahominy, 
one of the branches of James River, behind which he 
took post, at the distance of eighteen miles from Rich- 
mond : — here he remained until Philips, by the command 
of Cornwallis, began to re-ascend the river, for the pur- 
pose of forming a junction at Petersburg. 

General Lafayette now hastened back to Richmond ; 
but having, on his arrival, been informed that Lord Corn- 
wallis was marching northward, and that General Philips 
was again disembarking his army at Brandon, the seat of 
Benjamin Harrison, Esq. on the south side of the river, he 
was persuaded that ajunctionof the two armies was intend- 
ed, and hastened to take possession of Petersburg before 
Philips could reach that place. In this design, however, 
he was anticipated. The British general advanced with 
equal rapidity, and being nearer to Petersburg, reached it 
first. Disappointed in this design, Lafayette encamped a 
few miles below Richmond, where he exerted himself 
to increase the ability of his army, by diminishing his 
baggage, establishing system and punctuality in its seve- 
ral departments, and introducing throughout the most rigid 
discipline. 

The taking possession of Petersburg on the ninth of 
May was the last exploit of General Philips. He had 
been attacked by a fever some days before, the pro- 
gress of which was so rapid, and its symptoms so malig- 
nant, that it baffled all medical exertions, and put a peri- 
od to his life on the thirteenth of May. As an officer, he 
was universally admired ; and his military career, previous 
to his command in Virginia, had been filled with glory. 
But the friends of his fame have great reason to re- 
gret that he did not die three weeks sooner. By this 
event the command of the army devolved on Ar- 
nold. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAVKTTE. 105 

Lord Cornwallis had moved from Wilmington on the 
twenty-fifth of April, and proceeded toward Halifax on 
the river Roanoke, preserving, as a brilliant contrast to 
the maraudings of Philips and Arnold the country from 
devastation, and private property from spoliation. Du- 
ring the tedious progress from Cape Fear to the Roanoke, 
he met with no interruption, and reached Halifax without 
at all disturbing the general torpor which prevailed through- 
out the country. At this place the restrained licentious- 
ness of the unprincipled burst forth in shocking outrage 
upon the defenceless citizens, alike disgraceful to the 
British arms, and degrading to the name of man. But 
Cornwallis, on learning these enormities, acted according to 
his natural humanity and moderation, and commanded 
Colonel Tarleton to dismount his dragoons, (who, with cha- 
racteristic ferocity, had been the fit actors in the atrocious 
outrages that had been committed,) and to form them in such 
order as might be convenient for the inspection of the 
inhabitants who were requested to designate the principal 
villains. A sergeant and one private being pointed out, 
and accused of rape and robbery, they were conducted 
back to Halifax, tried by martial law, condemned to death, 
and immediately executed. 

Lord Cornwallis, leaving Halifax, passed the Roanoke, 
and detached Colonel Tarleton with his legion to the Meher- 
rion, to take possession of the fords across that river ; — 
Lieutenant General Simcoe, with the queen's rangers 
being at the same time sent forward by Arnold to the Not- 
toway, for the like purpose. No interruption was attempted 
against either detachment, all the force assembled for the 
protection of the State being with Lafayette in his po- 
sition near Richmond ; and Lord Cornwallis, passing those 
rivers, entered Petersburg on the twentieth of May, when 
he took the general command of all the British forces. 

The British General now determined on a vigorous 
plan of offensive operations. After being reinforced by 
14 



106 HISTORY OF TH£ 

two British regiments, and two battalions of Anspach troops 
from New-York, under General Leslie, his immediate object, 
with his overwhelming superiority, was to bring the Marquis 
De Lafayette to an action, which could not fail to ter- 
minate in his defeat. The field-force under Cornwallis 
was not less than eight thousand ; more than double of 
that acting under Lafayette, Besides which, his strength in 
horse, amounting to four hundred dragoons, and seven or 
eight hundred mounted infantry, added vastly to his superi- 
ority. Lafayette's force, in the camp below Richmond, 
did not exceed four thousand, of which three-fourths were 
militia. Baron Steuben, with six hundred levies, was or- 
dered to the point of the fork, the depot of most of the re- 
maining military stores ; and Brigadier General Wayne, 
with the Pennsylvania line, now reduced to eight hundred, 
was on his march from the northern army to unite with 
Lafayette. 

Lord Cornwallis, for the purpose of bringing his enemy 
to action, immediately put his troops in motion on the 
twenty fourth of May, and passing the James River at West- 
over, attempted, by turning the left flank of the American 
army, to get in its rear. Lafayette was in no condition 
to risk an engagement. The native ardour of his temper, 
and the reluctance with which he exposed himself to the 
charge of giving up the country without even an attempt 
to save it by an action, required all the vigilance of 
his judgment, to restrain him from hazarding more than his 
present situation would justify. The main and immediate 
objects which it was now his duty to effect, were the secu- 
rity of the public stores, the preservation of his small army 
for future service, and a junction with the Pennsylvania 
line. As Lord Cornwallis passed James River, the Marquis 
De Lafayette abandoned Richmond, after removing all the 
most valuable military stores, and fell behind the Chicka- 
hominy river, in the direction toward Fredericksburg, for 
the double purpose of favouring the contemplated junction 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 107 

with General Wayne, and of covering the manufactory 
of arms in the vicinity of Falmouth. 

Lord Cornwallis followed with zeal and rapidity, and 
crossing the Chickahominy at Bottom Bridge, manifest- 
ed his determination to force Lafayette to battle before 
his junction with General Wayne. He was so entirely 
confident of success against his young antagonist, that 
he imprudently remarked in a letter, which was inter- 
cepted, " the hoy cannot escape me." But a combination 
of talents and skill defeated all the energies of physical 
power, and the gallant " boy" escaped to give new evi- 
dences at Yorktown, of his generosity and modesty, by 
declining to receive the sword of the captured Cornwallis 
himself 

Lafayette moved with so much celerity and caution as to 
convince Lord Cornwallis of the impracticability of over- 
taking him, or of preventing his junction with General 
Wayne. Before the British army reached the Chickahominy, 
he had passed the Pamunkey, the southern branch of York 
River. Finding that the distance between his adversary and 
himself daily increased, Cornwallis halted, and turned his at- 
tention to objects of less magnitude. He accordingly, made 
two considerable detachments from his army while encamped 
in the county of Hanover ; one for the purpose of destroying 
the magazines at the Point of Fork, then under the protec- 
tion of Baron Steuben with his raw levies, and the other, 
for seizing the members of the general assembly convened 
at Charlotteville, a small town on the western bank of the 
Rivannah, a northern branch of James River. Simcoe, who 
commanded the first, by the rapidity of his march, as well 
as the precipitate retreat of the Baron, succeeded in destroy- 
ing the military stores ; and Colonel Tarleton, who led the 
detachment against Charlotteville, was equally successful in 
destroying the stores at that place : but nearly all the mem- 
bers of the legislature made their escape. In the mean-time, 
Lafayette continued to retreat, and to keep up his com- 



108 HiSTOnV Of THE 

munication with the north, passed the Rapidan, tne south- 
ern branch of the Rapahannoc. The movements of 
the two armies had thrown Lord Cornwaliis completely 
between Marquis de Lafayette and the military stores 
which had been transported from Richmond up James 
River, and deposited principally at Albemarle old court- 
house. The British general therefore directed his march 
toward that place. 

Lafayette had now effecteda junction with the Pennsylvania 
line, consisting of eight hundred men under General Wayne. 
Emboldened by this reinforcement, he lost no time in recross- 
ing the Rapidan, and moving toward the enemy. He arrived 
and encamped within a few miles of the British army, when 
they were yet more than a day's march from their point of 
destination. Cornwaliis was willing that his antagonists 
should proceed on the experiment of preserving the stores at 
Albemarle old court-house, and continued in his position con- 
venient to his adversary's presumed route, with a detach- 
ment to fall upon him in his progress. Thus, in the opinion 
of Cornwaliis, he was effectually cut off from the route by 
which alone he could reach the objects which he was ha- 
zarding every thing to secure. Never was disappointment 
more complete than that of the British commander, when, 
on the morning of the fifteenth of June, he found his youth- 
ful foe in his front, strongly reinforced, and occupying a 
position from which he could not be easily forced, and would 
not be tempted. Lafayette's discernment and activity had 
completely baffled his views. He discovered, and opened 
in the night, a road which was nearer to Albemarle, but had 
long been disused, and crossed the Rivannah before Corn- 
waliis was acquainted with his having reached it. Then, 
taking post behind Mechunck's creek, he sat down on the 
direct route from the British camp to Albemarle, The fol- 
lowing is the modest account given of this masterly move- 
ment, by the author of it : " In the mean-time, the British 
army was moving to the Point of Fork, with intention to 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 109 

strike our magazine at Albemarle old court-house. Our 
force was not equal to their defence ; and a delay of 
our junction would have answered the views of the enemy. 
But on the arrival of the Pennsylvanians, we made 
forced marches toward James River, and on our gain- 
ing the South Anna, we found Lord Cornwallis en- 
camped some miles below the camp of Fork. A sto- 
len march, through a difficult road, gave us a position 
upon Mechunck creek, between that of the enemy and 
our stores, where, agreeably to previous appointment, 
we were joined by a body of riflemen." 

The expedition against Albemarle was now relinquish- 
ed, and the British General drawing in his van corps, 
fell back, on the ensuing day, toward, Richmond. This 
movement was the means of exciting considerable surprise, 
as, notwithstanding the junction of Wayne, and the suc- 
ceeding reinforcement of riflemen under Lord Cornwallis 
continued to possess a decided superiority of force, both 
with respect to quality and number. By some it was at- 
tributed to the difficulties which he apprehended near the 
mountains, when even a victory might be attended with 
no decisive consequences : hence he chose to transfer 
the war to the lower country, the face of which appeared 
more favourable to his views. But the change in his con- 
duct is now known to have been owing to orders from his 
superior. 

Fabius Maximus Quintus, when warring against Hanni- 
bal, avoided open action, but successfully and continually 
harassed him by counter-marches and ambuscades and 
all those difficult manoeuvres which distinguish the expe- 
rienced and calculating commander. There is no other 
mode by which an inferior force can act with efficacy 
against an enemy both numerically and scientifically su- 
perior. Hannibal sent word to Fabius, that " If he was 
as great a captain as he would be thought, he ought to 
come into the plain and give him battle." Fabius coolly 



110 HISTORY or THE 

replied, that "if he was as great as he would be thought, 
he would do well to force him to fight." Such were pre- 
cisely the relative situations of the Marquis de Lafay- 
ette and the enemy. The former gained every thing 
by avoiding a general action, which would inevitably 
have resulted in his total destruction, while the latter 
found himself incessantly harassed, his power to destroy 
restricted, and his progress retarded and endangered by 
the rapid movements, indefatigable vigilance, and master- 
ly military skill of General Lafayette. 
As soon as the retreat of Lord Cornwallis was ascertained, 
General Lafayette put his army in motion, and followed 
with undiminished circumspection, taking care to keep 
the command of the upper country, and to avoid a 
general engagement. He held his main body between 
twenty and thirty miles in the rear of the foe, and 
explored his front and flanks with his cavalry and 
riflemen. On the fifteenth of June, the British general 
reached Westham, without making a single effort to 
strike his following enemy, and on the subsequent day, 
entered Richmond, where he halted. General Lafayette 
took a strong position on Allen's creek, in the county 
of Goochland, twenty-two miles from Lord Cornwallis. 
After a few days, the latter resumed his march, and 
entered Williamsburg on the twenty-fifth of June. 

On the eighteenth of June, while in his camp above Rich- 
mond, the Marquis de Lafayette was joined by Baron Steu- 
ben with his corps of levies, amounting to between five and 
six hundred. His army was now increased to four thousand 
men, of whom two thousand one hundred were regulars ; 
but only one thousand five hundred were veteran troops. 
Still, however, Cornwallis was superior in number by a third, 
and his army was composed entirely of veterans furnished with 
a powerful and well mounted cavalry, who had spread terror 
as well as desolation through the country, and had greatly 
intimidated the militia. 



MAJiqUIS DE LArkVETTE. Ill 

During the retreat of the enemy to Williamsburg, no at- 
tempt was made by either general to disturb the other; 
a game, of all others, the most to be desired bj General 
Lafayette, as the campaign appeared to be wasting without 
any improvement by his superior foe. He merely caused 
his light parties to press on their rear, which was cov- 
ered by a strong corps under Major Simcoe. That officer 
was overtaken by Colonel Butler about six miles from 
Williamsburg, to which he was proceeding from the des- 
truction of a few boats and stores on the Chickahominy. 
A sharp action ensued which was attended with loss on both 
sides ; but the Americans were compelled to retire by 
the approach of the whole British army, which had moved 
on hearing the first fire, to shield Simcoe. Lafayette 
claimed the advantage in this recontre, and stated the 
enemy's loss amounted to sixty killed, and one hundred 
wounded. 

After this skirmish, the Marquis encamped about twenty 
miles above Williamsburg, in a secure position near James 
River, interposing the Chickahominy between him and the 
enemy. 

Intercepted letters had disclosed to Sir Henry Clinton 
the designs which were meditated against the seat of the 
British power in the United states, and he, becoming 
alarmed for the safety of New-York, required the return of 
a part of the troops in Virginia. Lord Cornwallis, sup- 
posing himself too weak, after complying with this requi- 
sition, to remain at Williamsburg, resolved to pass James 
River and retire to Portsmouth. He accordingly left that 
city on the fourth of July, having decided to cross at James 
City Island, and encamped along the river, having his right 
covered by a pond, and the centre and left by swamps. 
On the fifth and sixth, a small number of troops, and all 
the baggage, artillery, and munitions, were transported 
across the river, and Cornwallis intended to have passed his 
army on the seventh. 



112 HISTORY OF THE 

The morning after the evacuation of Williamsburg, La- 
fayette put his army in motion, with the intention of 
falling upon the rear of the enemy, when a major part 
of his army should have passed, or was passing the river. 
Crossing the Chickahominy, he pushed his best troops 
within eight miles of the British camp. On the morning of 
the sixth he prepared to advance, believing that th" hour 
was at hand for striking the meditated blow, as he had 
been accurately informed of the passage of troops on the 
fourth, and the continued crossing and recrossing of the 
boats ever since. All the intelligence which was received 
by General Lafayette concurred in the representation that 
the greater part of the British army had already passed over 
into the island of Jamestown, in the night, and every ap- 
pearance was calculated to countenance the opinion that 
had been formed. 

But Lord Cornwallis suspected the design of Lafayette, 
and was confident that the opportunity afforded by his 
crossing James river, would be seized with ardour by 
his youthful antagonist. He heard with pleasure that the 
American forces were drawing near, and adopted proper 
measures to encourage their advance. The B'ritish light 
parties were all drawn in, their troops were held compact, 
covering as little ground as possible in their march and in 
camp, and the piquets, which lay close to the encampment, 
were ordered to fall back with the appearance of alarm 
and confusion, as soon as they should be seriously at- 
tacked. 

General Lafayette had detached some riflemen and mili- 
tia to harass the outposts of the enemy, while he advanced 
at the head of the continental troops, in order to cut off 
their rear, should the intelligence he had received of the 
passage of the main body, be well founded. The enemy's 
piquets were briskly attacked, and losing some of their men, 
killed, wounded, and taken, fell back in confutiion upon the 
legion-horse, drawn up in their rear. Emboldened by this 



MARtiUIS DE LAFAYfiTTE. 115} 

successful onset, the Americans continued to advance, and 
took post in a ditch, under cover of a rail-fence. After a 
keen conflict of some minutes, they fell back upon general 
Wayne, who was formed in close order in an adjacent wood. 
That brave officer, who commanded the van-guard, now dis- 
covered the whole British army in order of battle, moving 
out against him. A retreat was impossible, and the boldest, 
had become the safest measure. Advancing rapidly, he 
made a gallant charge on the British line, with his small de- 
tachment, not exceeding eight hundred men, and the warm 
action which ensued, was kept up with great spirit for seve- 
ral minutes. 

Lafayette, who arrived a little before sun-set, began soon 
to apprehend that the expected covering party would turn 
out to be the British army, and determined, by reconnoitring 
to judge of the enemy's strength from his own observation. 
He soon became convinced that his apprehensions were well 
founded, and immediately hastened to draw off his troops. 
On his return, finding Wayne closely engaged, and his Hanks 
nearly enveloped, he directed him to retreat, and form in a 
line with the light infantry, then drawn up about half a mile 
in the rear. This was instantly executed through the favour 
of a dark night, with the loss of two field pieces, the horses 
attached to them being killed. The whole army then re- 
treated the distance of six miles, when Lafayette, finding 
that the enemy did not pursue, encamped for the night. 

No pursuit was even attempted by Cornwallis, who return- 
ed, immediately after the battle closed to his camp. The 
night, the nature of the country, broken with woods and 
marshes, but especially the suspicion that the retreat was a 
stratagem of the American general, to draw him into an am- 
buscade, induced the British commander to decline all pur- 
suit. In the course of the night he crossed over into the is- 
land, and soon after proceeded to Portsmouth, in order to 
embark the troops, which Chnton expected at New York. 
Lafayette retired with the greater part of his army, having 

15 



114 History of Tut 

dismissed all his militia, to the forks of York river, where it 
was permitted to repose itself, all active operations having 
ceased. During the action near Jamestown, his person was 
greatly exposed, and he had a horse killed under him.* 

Thus terminated the summer campaign of lord Cornwal- 
lis, in Virginia. He was at the head of an army completely 
fitted for the arduous scenes of war, warmly attached to 
their commander, proud in its knowledge of its own ability, 
and ready to encounter every difficulty and danger. On 
the other hand, the inferiority of Lafayette in numbers, in 
quality, in cavalry, in arms and equipment, was very great 
and well known. — Although, says Marshall, no brilliant ser- 
vice was achieved by this young nobleman, the campaign in 
Virginia enhanced his military reputation, and raised him in 
the general esteem. That, with so decided an inferiority of 
effective force, and especially of cavalry, he had been able 
to keep the field in an open country, and to preserve a great 
proportion of his military stores, as well as his army, was 
believed to furnish unequivocal evidence of the prudence 
and vigour of his conduct. 

The omission of lord Cornwallis to compel Lafayette, 
manoeuvring in his face in an open country, to battle, is in- 
explicable. Such an event, with his vast superiority of force, 
would have proved the ruin of the American army, which 
was frequently and unavoidably in situations where no mili- 
tary skill could have prevented a general engagement. The 
American general, says an actor in those scenes, had great 
difficulties to surmount, as well as to guard against his formi- 
dable foe, pressing him on his retreat. Wayne, directing his 
most efficient aid, was far to his right ; and the baron Steu- 
ben, with the Virginia levies, was as far on his left. The 
public stores were deposited in several magazines accessible 
to the enemy ; and the great body of the inhabitants below 

* For accounts of this action, Vide, Marshall's Washington, Vol. IV, 
p. 440, 1, 2. Botta's American War.Book XIII. H. Lee's Memoirs, Vol. 
II, 222—231. Ramsay's Revolution, p. 550. Mom Histor. sur. M. de 
Lafayette, p. ]8. Thacher's Journal, p 530 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 115 

the mountains were flying from their homes, with their wives, 
their children, and the most valuable of their personal pro- 
perty, to seek protection in the mountains. The state autho- 
rities, executive and legislative, like the flying inhabitants 
had been driven from the seat of government, chased from 
Charlotteville ; and, at length, compelled to interpose the 
Blue Ridge between themselves and the enemy, to secure a 
resting place at Staunton. 

In this period of gloom, of disorder, and of peril, Lafay- 
ette was collected and undismayed. With zeal, with cour- 
age, and with sagacity, he discharged his arduous duties, 
and throughout his difficult retreat, was never brought even 
to array, but once, in order for battle. Invigorating our 
councils by his precepts ; dispelling our despondency by his 
example ; and encouraging his troops to submit to their many 
privations, by the cheerfulness with which he participated 
in their wants, he imparted the energy of his own mind to 
the country, and infused his high toned spirit into his army.* 
His efforts were crowned with success, and the young French- 
man, with the judgment, skill, and prudence of a veteran, 
seared the laurels of that British general, who, in the north 
and in the south, in the cabinet and in the field, had stood 
pre-eminent, — the bulwark of great Britain- — the terror of 
America. 

No American ought to pass over the interesting occur- 
rences of this period without reflecting, that the defence of 
the great state of Virginia, and with it, of all the states in the 
Union, was conducted with consummate fidelity and skill, by 
two foreigners, whom the voice of Providence had called to 
our aid from countries almost unknown to us, and from na- 
tions which, until that time, we had regarded only with feel- 
ings of hostility.t 

Cornwallis, when he reached Portsmouth, proceeded with 
diligence to embark the troops destined for the defence of 

* H. Lee's Memoirs, Vol. II, page 233. 
f Johnson's Life Greene, Vol. II, p. 58. 



IIG HISTORY OF THE 

New- York : in the meantime, however, he received coun- 
termanding order?, directing him to return to Williamsburg, 
to retain all the troops he had witli him, and instead of Ports- 
mouth, to estahlish the intended post at Old Point Comfort. 
The principal causes which determined general Clinton to 
embrace tliis new resolution, were the arrival from Europe 
of a re-enforcement consisting of three thousand Germans, 
and his desire to open a passage by way of Hampton and 
the James River, toward that fertile and populous part of 
Virginia which lies between the James and York rivers : 
The report of the engineer and navy officers, appointed to 
examine Old Point Comfort, was unfavourable, and lord 
Cornwallis, coinciding in the same opinion, selected York 
and Gloucester, not far above the mouth of York River, in- 
stead of the former place. 

York town is a port of entry, and post-town, of Vii^inia, 
and the capital of York county. It is agreeably situated on 
the south side of York River, which is here contracted to 
the breadth of a mile, and confined by very high banks, close 
under which vessels of the largest burden may ride with safe- 
ty. On the opposite, or left bank, of tlie river is situated 
Gloucester, a smaller town, built upon a point of land pro. 
jecting into the river. A mai-shy stream flowing on the right 
of Yorktown ; and in front of the place, for the distance of 
a mile, the ground is open and level. As the spot which 
proved the terminating scene of the revolution, its name 
will be revered by posterity, while hberty has an advocate, 
and reason and humanity, a friend. 

Before the twent)'-third of August, 1781, tlie whole Brit- 
ish force had concentrated in tlie position of York and Glou- 
cester. With a regular army of more than seven thousand 
men, lord Cornwallis had retreated to the sea-coast before 
one of not more than two thousand, three hundred, regulars ; 
he had first crowded tlie transports which had been sent 
from New- York, with his troops, then re-landed them, and 
finally, breaking up from Portsmouth and Norfolk, took up 



MARftUIS DE LAFATETTE. 117 

his head-quarters at York-town. Upon this ground, he ap- 
plied his attention to intrench himself in the strongest possi- 
ble manner, and pressed forward, with zeal and assiduity, 
the completion of his fortifications. 

As soon as Lafayette received intelligence of the new 
position taken by Cornwallis, he re-crossed the Pamunkey, 
and took post in the county of New-Kent. He had no inten- 
tion of attacking the enemy, because, at that period, his force 
did not admit of it ; but he was disposed, at least, to harass 
them, to repress their excursions, and to prevent their fora- 
ging in the country. In the defence of Virginia, with which 
he had been entrusted by Washington, he had acquitted him- 
self in the most satisfactory and masterly manner ; sometimes 
by his manoeuvres, holding the greatest British general in 
America, in check, — sometimes combating him with vigour — 
he had now conducted him to a place, where he might hope 
to be assisted by the powerful French fleet that was expected 
on the American coast. 

At a conference held between Washington and Rocham- 
beau, the siege of New York had been resolved upon by the 
two generals, who agreed that it was necessary to wrest from 
the English that shelter which, from the commencement of 
hostilities to the present hour, had been so favourable to 
their interests. All the movements of the combined armies 
were, from that time, directed toward this object. — But it is 
not our province particularly to detail the causes which led 
to the relinquishment of that plan, and transferred the prin- 
cipal scene of war to the state of Virginia. Suffice it to say, 
that the arrival of the German re-enforcements at New York, 
the great strength of the garrison, the failure of the states in 
filling up their battalions and embodying their militia, and, 
especially, recent intelligence from the count de Grasse, that 
his destination was fixed to the Chesapeake, made a total 
change in the plan of the campaign. General Washington 
had entertained apprehensions, early in the month of August, 
that he would be unable to accomplish his favourite object, 



118 HISTORY OF THE 

and took the precaution of placing himself in the most con- 
venient condition to march to Virginia, should he be com- 
pelled to abandon the design on New- York. — Never was a 
game better played when the commander-in-chief at length 
made his final decision to march against Cornwallis. Not- 
withstanding he had changed his plan, he resolved to nourish 
the fears of his adversary for New- York, by a series of the 
most spirited demonstrations, so that he might not penetrate 
his real design, and throw obstacles in the way of its accom- 
plishment. The various stratagems practised to deceive sir 
Henry CUnton perfectly succeeded ; and that general, full 
of apprehensions for the safety of New- York, was indefatiga- 
ble in multiplying its defences. 

The change in the plan of operations, which had before 
been suggested to Lafayette as probable, was now commu- 
nicated to that nobleman, as certain ; and he was requested 
to make such a disposition of his army as should be best cal- 
culated to prevent lord Cornwallis from saving himself by a 
sudden march to Charleston. He also addressed the gover- 
nor of Virginia, urging him to exert all his powers in prepa- 
ring certain specified aids of men, provisions, wagons, and 
implements, which the conjuncture demanded. The most po- 
sitive intelligence was soon received by Lafayette, that lord 
Cornwallis intended to penetrate, with his army from York 
to South Carolina, by land, and that in consequence of the 
arrival of the French fleet, he was about moving from York 
to James River, and was getting his boats across from 
Queen's creek to the College-landing, to go from thence to 
James-town, and then crossing James River to Cobhams, to 
proceed from that place to South Carolina. These indica- 
tions of a movement to the south were immediately commu- 
nicated to general Greene, who, in order to counteract it, 
crossed the Santee river on the twelfth of September, and 
despatched orders in every direction for the collection of re- 
enforcements. General Lafayette and governor Burke had 
been long on their guard against this movement. The for- 



MARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 119 

mer moved to the bank of James River to counteract it ; 
and Muhlenburg was thrown across the river to place himself 
in lord Cornwallis' front ; — not with the hope of resisting him 
in his progress, but with a view to precede him, and by de- 
stroying all the means of subsistence and transportation, to 
impede his progress until he could be overtaken by a force 
competent to cope with him.* 

Upon the first intelligence of this movement of Cornwallis, 
the most animated measures were adopted by governor 
Burke, to co-operate with Muhlenburg. Every boat on the 
Roanoke, Neuse, and Meherrin, were secured under guard 
or destroyed ; every crossing place guarded, and crossed by 
abatis; and »the militia were ordered out en masse. The 
whole state of North Carolina, from the Dan to the sea- 
coast, appears to have been set in motion by this active go- 
vernor. 

Lord Cornwallis had provided a number of boats, trans- 
portable on wagons, in the nature of pontons ; and the rea- 
sons which led to the relinquishment of his project of retreat 
southwardly, are easily deducible from the occurrences of 
the day. The French fleet arrived in the Chesapeake on 
the first of September ; a few days after, the British fleet, 
under admiral Greaves, made its appearance, and count de 
Grasse stood out of the Chesapeake, and engaged him, having 
first furnished an accession of strength to Lafayette, which 
put it in his power to advance upon, and alarm, his adversa- 
ry. This was the period of the attempt of lord Cornwallis 
to escape into Carolina, and also of its relinquishment. The 
arrival of the French fleet suggested the movement ; its de- 
parture delayed it, until he found himself environed with dif- 
ficulties. Below him, he saw the whole country in arms to 
oppose his retreat, whilst Greene, waited in the south to re- 
ceive him on the point of the bayonet ; above him, Lafayette 
watched his opportunity of striking when he should expose 

' Johnson's Life Greene, Vol. II. cbap. XVI, p. 243. et seq. 



129 HISTOKY OF THE 

his flank : toward the ocean, the face of the bay was cover- 
ed with the fleets of France, and Washington was advancing 
to seize him in his toils. Yet, it was not until the thirtieth 
of September, that he found himself entirely hemmed in on 
the south, and compelled to cover himself beneath the shield 
of his entrenchments. 

On the thirtieth of August, the count de Grasse arrived in 
the Chesapeake with twenty-eight sail of the line and, seve- 
ral frigates. As soon as he anchored, he was boarded by an 
officer from Lafayette, announcing his situation, and that of 
the enemy. In consequence of this information, he imme- 
diately detached four ships of the line to block up York Ri- 
ver, and employed some of his frigates in conveying the land 
forces, brought from the West Indies under the command 
of the marquis de St. Simon, up James River, to form a 
junction with Lafayette at Williamsburg. These troops 
were principally drawn from the garrison of St. Domingo, 
and amounted to three thousand, two hundred men. Gene- 
ral Lafayette was extremely gratified by being re-enforced 
with so considerable a number of his own countrymen, and 
at the increasing prospect of being able to render important 
services to a cause in which he had engaged with such no- 
ble and inextinguishable ardour. He had, moreover, felt 
some disquietude relative to his position. He was appre- 
hensive that Cornwallis, perceiving the circle that was tra- 
ced around him, would profit of the superiority which he 
still possessed, and by falling upon, and overwhelming him, 
escape into the Carolinas. — On the twenty-fifth of August, 
the count de Barras sailed from Newport, Rhode Island, with 
eight ships of the line, and fourteen transports laden with 
heavy artillery and military stores, proper for carrying on a 
siege, and formed a junction with de Grasse on the four- 
teenth of September, in the Chesapeake. 

On the fifth of September, a British fleet, commanded by 
admiral Greaves, appeared off the Chesapeake bay. Orders 
were immediately given by de Grasse for the ships to slip 



MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 121 

their cables, and leaving their anchorage ground, severally 
to form the line as they should come up. An indecisive en- 
gagement took place, and neither admiral could claim the 
victory. For five successive days, tlie hostile fleets conti- 
nued in view of each other, and as the French generally 
maintained the wind, it was in the power of de Grasse at 
any time to renew the engagement. But the capture of the 
British army in Virginia, was an object of too much impor- 
tance to be put in hazard by an action, which might have 
lost the command of the Chesapeake. He was sensible of 
his advantages, and would not refer to the caprices of for- 
tune, the decision of events which he considered himself as 
already certain of controlling. He fought for the undis- 
turbed possession of the Chesapeake, and this was yielded 
by the enemy's return into port. A chief object, moreover, 
was to cover the fleet of count de Barras, expected from 
Rhode Island, whom, on his return, he found safely anchor- 
ed in the Chesapeake, having passed the British squadron 
in the night.* 

In the mean time general Washington prepared to execute 
the new plan of operations which he had formed. On the 
nineteenth of August, the whole American army was put in 
motion, and on the twentieth and twenty -first, the troops 
crossed the Hudson, and proceeded by forced marches 
through New Jersey, to Trenton upon the Delaware. The 
allied army pressed its march with all possible despatch ; and 
the van division, when it reached Elkton on the northern 
extremity of the Chesapeake bay, embarked in transports 
collected for its conveyance. The centre division continued 
its march to Baltimore, where it also embarked ; and the re- 
mainder of the troops, and some of the baggage, proceeded 
by land through Alexandria and Fredericksburg. 

General Washington, attended by the count de Rocham- 

• Botta's American War, Vol- III, Book XTII, p. 382, 3. H. Lee's 
Memoirs, Vol. II. Chap. XXXIV. p. 317—320. Marshall's Washington, 
Vol. IV. Chap. rX, p. 470—472. 
16 



122 THE HISTORY OF THE 

beau and the chevalier de Chastelleux, reached Williams- 
bui^, the head-quarters of Lafayette, on the fourteenth of 
September, and proceeding immediately to Hampton, went 
on board the Ville de Paris, where the plan of the siege was 
concerted with count de Grasse. — The gallant Lafayette 
now had a fresh opportunity of exerting his personal influ- 
ence in favour of the land in defence of whose liberties he 
had shed his blood. De Grasse, having received informa- 
tion that six ships of the line, under the command of admiral 
Digby, had reached New York, considered it certain that 
the British fleet would be induced, by this addition to its 
strength, to attempt every thing for the relief of lord Com- 
wallis. Thinking his present situation unfavourable for a 
naval combat, he designed to change it ; and communicated 
to general Washington his intention to leave a few frigates, 
to block up the mouths of James and York rivers, and to put 
to sea with his fleet in quest of the enemy. If they should 
not have left the harbour of New York, he proposed to 
block them up in that place. The commander-in-chief was 
exceedingly alarmed at this communication. Such a mea- 
sure would have exposed to the caprice of fortune, an event 
of infinite importance, which was now reduced to almost cer- 
tain calculation. The marquis de Lafayette was according- 
ly despatched on board the Ville de Paris, with a letter dis- 
suading count de Grasse from so dangerous a measure : but 
it is believed that, without the interference and personal ap- 
plication of the marquis, the French admiral would have per- 
severed in carrying into execution a design, which might 
have given to the enemy, during his absence, a temporary 
naval superiority in those waters, and the army of Cornwallis 
might then, with the loss of his artillery, and a few men, have 
been placed in perfect security. When we consider that the 
capture of Cornwallis sealed the destinies of the union, — 
that his escape would have protracted the war, and entirely 
changed the prosperous aspect of public affairs — and that a 
Ibng series of bloodshed and desolation would have been 



MARftUIS UE LAFAYETTE. 123 

thereby renewed, — ^we must regard this happy exercise of 
personal influence and persuasive talent, as one among the 
brightest acts in his American career of glory. 

The last division of the allied army landed in the neigh' 
bourhood of Williamsburg, on the twenty-fifth of September, 
^pd the whole force being now collected, it moved, on the 
twenty-eighth, in four columns, toward York-town, and sat 
4own ^bout two miles in front of the enemy. The next day 
the right wing, consisting of Americans, extended further to 
the right, and occupied the ground east of Beaver-dam creek ; 
while the left wing, consisting of the French, was stationed 
on the west side of that creek. In the course of the night, 
lord Cornwallis withdrew within his inner lines, and the sub- 
sequent day, the abandoned ground was occupied by Wash- 
ington, ready to open trenches, whenever the ordnance, and 
other requisite implements, arrived at camp. Notwithstand- 
ing his indefatigable exertions, their transportation was not 
completed before the sixth of October. In the mean time a 
rigid blockade of the post of Gloucester was instituted by 
general Choise, after a sharp skirmish, which resulted in tlie 
defeat of the British. S^ 

On the night of the sixth of October, the first parallel wai5= 
commenced within six hundred yards of the British lines, 
and as every man observed profound silence, no discovery 
of the operation took place before the return of daylight, by 
which time the trenches were in such forwardness as to co- 
ver the men. Before the tenth, several batteries and re- 
doubts were completed along the fosse, rtiany of them mount- 
ed, which, opening in succession, dismounted and silenced a 
number of the enemy's guns, and demolished their works in 
djySerent places. When all the batteries on the first parallel 
were completed, the fire, on the eleventh and twelfth, became 
so heavy, that it tore in pieces most of the enemy's batteries, 
dismounting their ordnance in every direction. The shells 
and red hot balls reached even the ships in the harbour, 



124 HISTORY Of THE 

where the Charon, of forty-four guns, and three transports, 
were entirely consumed. 

Washington now continued to urge his operations, and, on 
the night of the eleventh, opened his second parallel, withia 
three hundred yards of the British lines. The same order 
was given, commanding silence, which was strictly observed, 
and the trench was nearly completed before the dawn of 
day. Notwithstanding the unexampled rapidity with which 
the siege was conducted, and the unexpected condition in 
which he now found himself involved, lord Cornwallis, rely- 
ing on succour from New- York, determined, with unappalled 
courage, to maintain his lines. He endeavoured to arrest the 
progress of the besiegers by a deluge of bombs and balls, and 
during the three succeeding days, which were devoted to the 
completion of the second parallel, and of the batteries con- 
structed in it, the fire of the garrison became more destruc- 
tive than at any other time. 

Two redoubts, advanced three hundred yards in front of 
the enemy's works, flanked the second parallel, and directed 
their fire with severe effect. It was necessary to possess 
these redoubts, and Washington determined to silence them 
with the bayonet. To avail himself of the spirit of emula- 
tion existing between the troops of the two nations, the at- 
tack of the one was committed to the Americans, and of the 
other, to the French. The American detachment composed 
of light infantry, was commanded by the marquis de Lafay- 
ette, who conducted the assault in person, and the baron de 
Viominil led the grenadiers and chasseurs of France, against 
the redoubt, which, being farther toward the British right, ap- 
proached rather nearer to the French lines. Major Camp- 
bell, with sixty men, defended the first, and lieutenant-colonel 
Johnson, with one hundred and seventy men defended the 
latter, redoubt. On the fourteenth of October, as soon as it 
was dark, the two detachments marched with equal firmness 
to the assault. The attack was extremely impetuous. On 
its sijccps? depended, in a great measure, that of the siege. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 126 

Relying entirely on their bayonets, the Americans advanced 
with unloaded arms, and rushed to the charge with so much 
ardour, that they did not allow the sappers time to remove 
the abatis and pallisades. Passing over them, they assaulted 
the works with irresistible impetuosity on all sides at once, 
and entered them with such rapidity, that their loss was in- 
considerable, and the enemy, astonished at so much audacity, 
was instantly overpowered. Major Campbell, a captain, an 
ensign, and seventeen privates, were made prisoners ; eight 
privates were killed, and a few escaped* On the part of the 
Americans, one sergeant and eight privates, were killed; and 
one lieutenant-colonel, four captains, one subaltern, one ser- 
geant, and twenty-five rank and file wounded. — The redoubt 
upon the left made a more formidable resistance ; but the in- 
trepidity of the assailants was irresistible, and it was carried 
with the bayonet. The commandant escaped ; eighteen men 
were killed ; and forty-two, among whom were a captain and 
two subaltern officers, were made prisoners. The loss of 
the assailants was very severe, being about one hundred in 
killed and wounded. 

The humanity of the conquerors was equal to their cou- 
rage. Notwithstanding the recent horrid and barbarous out- 
rage committed at Fort Griswold, in Connecticut, where 
the greater part of the garrison was murdered in cold blood 
by a detachment under the command of the apostate Ar- 
nold, who reduced the town of New-London to ashes, and 
where the sword surrendered by the commanding officer of 
the fort, colonel Ledyard, was immediately plunged into his 
bosom, — notwithstanding these diabolical deeds, the^ irri- 
tation which they produced had not so far subdued the hu- 
manity of the American character as to induce retaliation. 
Not a man was killed except in action. " Incapable," said 
colonel Hamilton in his report, " of imitating examples of 
barbarity, and forgetting recent provocation, the soldiery 
spared every man that ceased to resist." Nevertheless, Mr. 
Gordon, in his Historv of the American war, states, that or- 



126 HISTORY OF THE 

ders were given by Lafayette, with the approbation of Wash- 
ington, that every man in the redoubt, after its surrender, 
should be put to the sword. This charge is absolutely false. 
These sanguinary orders, so repugnant to the character of 
Washington, and of Lafayette, were never given. There is 
no trace of them among the papers of the commander-in- 
chief; and colonel Hamilton, whose participation in the en- 
terprise assures his perfect knowledge of every material oc- 
currence, has publicly contra4icted the statement.* 

Washington was highly gratified with the splendid termi- 
nation of this double assault, which was no less useful to the 
allies than it was honourable to their arms. He remarks in 
his diary, that "the bravery exhibited by the attacking troops 
was emulous and praiseworthy. Few cases have exhibited 
greater proofs of intrepidity, coolness, and firmness, than 
were shown on this occasion." The orders of the succeed- 
ing day expressed a high sense of the judicious dispositions 
and gallant conduct of both the marquis de Lafayette and 
the baron de Viominil, and conclude in the following man- 
ner: ■' The general refiects, with the highest degree of plea- 
sure, on the confidence which the troops of the two nations 
must hereafter have in each other. Assured of mutual sup- 
port, he is convinced there is no danger which they will not 
cheerfully encounter, — no difficulty which they will not 
bravely overcome." 

Nothing could exceed the vigour with which Washington 
now urged on his operations : before daylight the two re- 
doubts were included in the second parallel ; and by five in 
the jifternoon some howitzers, which had been placed in 
them, were opened on the besieged. 

The situation of Cornwallis was now become desperate : 
he perfectly foresaw that when the besiegers should have 
opened the fire of the batteries of their second parallel, all 
means of resistance would be at an end. The greater part 

• Marshall's Life Washington, Vol. IV, Chap. IX, p. 486. note. Gar- 
den's Anecdotes, p. 308. 



MARQUIS DE LAtAVETTE. 127 

of his artillery was dismounted, broken, or otherwise disa- 
bled ; the walls were crumbled into the ditches, in a word, 
almost all the defences were razed. He therefore resolved 
by a vigorous sortie, to retard, as much as possible the com- 
pletion of the batteries in the second parallel. A detach- 
ment, accordingly, sallied from the town, on the night of the 
sixteenth of October, who made themselves masters of two 
batteries, guarded by French troops. But they were furiously 
charged by the Vicomte de Noailles, who drove them before 
him into the town, and the few cannon which they had has- 
tily spiked, were soon rendered fit for service. 

Cornwallis now found himself reduced to the alternative 
of surrendering, or of attempting his escape. Incapable of 
submitting so long as such an event could possibly be avoid- 
ed, he proposed, with profound secrecy, to pass his army in 
the night to Gloucester, garnishing the works with his con- 
valescents, and leaving behind his baggage of every sort, his 
sick, wounded, shipping, and stores. He intended, after cut- 
ting to pieces, or dispersing the troops which invested Glou- 
cester, to force his way through Maryland, Pennsylvania, 
and New-Jersey, and form a junction with the army in New 
York. In prosecution of this bold and desperate attempt, 
he passed over, early in the night, the first division of his 
army to Gloucester, the other division being ready to em- 
bark for the same shore as soon as the boats returned. But 
the decree of Providence rendered his plan abortive. A 
violent storm of wind and rain suddenly arose, and forced 
the returning boats down the river, considerably below the 
town. Day appeared before they reached their destination ; 
and the forenoon was occupied in bringing back the troops 
which had passed. 

On the seventeenth, the second parallel was completed, 
and the besiegers opened a tremendous fire from all their 
batteries, showering the bombs copiously, even into the riv- 
er. The enemy's defences were every where falling under 
the destructive fire ; and Gornwallis, being sensible that his 



128 HISTORY OF THE 

position was no longer tenable, and preferring the lives of 
his brave troops to the honour they might have acquired in 
a murderous and desperate assault, sent a flag to Washing- 
ton, proposing a cessation of arms for twenty-four hours, and 
that commissioners might be appointed on both sides for set- 
tling the terms of capitulation. Two hours only were grant- 
ed ; and this armistice resulted, after a series of negotia- 
tions, during which the suspension of hostilities was pro- 
longed, in the final surrender by lord Cornwallis, on the 
nineteenth of October, 1781, of the posts of York and 
Gloucester Point, with the garrisons which had defended 
them, and the shipping in the harbour with their seamen, to 
the land and naval officers of America and France.* 

It is stated! that Cornwallis, struck with the persevering 
skill and gallantry of Lafayette, of which he was a feeling 
and competent judge, requested, as a favour, that he might 
treat with, and surrender his army to him alone ; but gene- 
ral Lincoln was appointed to receive the submission of the 
royal army, precisely in the same manner as his own had 
been conducted, about eighteen months before. 

General Lafayette, ranked among tlie most active and in- 
trepid of the general officers at the siege of York-town, and 
promoted with unceasing perseverance the completion of 
the glorious scheme, to which his efforts had so long been 
directed. In the orders issued the day after the capitula- 
tion, he was particularly mentioned by the commander-in- 
chief : and when we consider the long series of dangers and 
skilful manoeuvres, by which he finally conducted Cornwal- 
lis into the toils of Washington, we must justly bestow upon 
the youtliful warrior, a large portion of the glory which at- 

* The articles of capitulation were digested by lieutenant colonel 
Laurens, and the viscount de Noailles, of the allied army, and colonel 
Dundas, and major Ross, on the part of the British. It is remarkable, 
that while colonel Laurens was drawing up these articles, his father 
was closely confined in the Tower of London, of which lord Cornwal- 
lis was constable. By this singular combination of circumstances, his 
lordship became a prisoner to the son of his own prisoner. 

t Mem. Histor. et Pieces Authent. sur M. de Lafayette, p. 8, 9- 



MARQUIS BE LAfA¥£Tli:. 129 

tended the extermination of the British flag from the shores 
of the Union. 

The news of this glorious and important victory created 
transports of joy from one extremity of the Union to the 
other. The remembrance of past evils was universally lost 
amid the most brilliant anticipations. The firm establishment 
of independence was no longer doubted ; and every one 
looked forward with confidence to the fast approaching ter- 
mination of their toils and privations. In all parts of the 
United States, solemn festivals and rejoicings celebrated the 
triumph of American fortune, and the downfall of that of the 
enemy. The names of Washington, — Rochambeau,— de 
Grasse,— ^Lafayette, — resounded every where. The provin- 
cial assembUes, the universities, the literary societies, ad- 
dressed to them, the sincere homage of their felicitations 
and admiration. — Congress united the authority of its de- 
crees to the unanimous acclaim of the people. It addressed 
thanks to the generals, as well as to the officers and soldiers 
of the victorious army. It ordained that a marble column 
should be erected at York-town, adorned with emblems of 
the adliance between the United States and the king of 
France, and inscribed with a succint narrative of the sur- 
render of Cornwallis. Nor did they stop here. Desirous 
that the chiefs of the allied forces should carry with them 
into retirement, some of the trophies of their prowess, they 
presented to Washington, two of the standards taken from 
the enemy ; to admiral de Grasse, two field pieces ; and a 
like number to general Rochambeau. They repaired in a 
body to the Dutch Lutheran Church, to return thanks to 
Almighty God, for the recent victory ; and issued a special 
proclamation appointing the thirteenth day of December, as 
a day of general thanksgiving and prayer, on account of so 
signal an interposition of divine Providence* 

* For accounts of the siege and surrender of York, vide IVf arshall's 
Washington, Vol- IV, Chap- IX, p. 405 — 498. Ramsay's Revolution, p. 
659 — 562. Thacher's Journal, p. 536. Johnson's Greene, Vol. II, p. 64, 
66, 243, 6. H. Lee's Memoirs, Vol II. p. 245 '24,6, 307, 376. Andrew's 

17 



130 HISTORY OF TH£ 

Soon after the surrender of York, the personal influence 
of Lafayette was again called in requisition by the comman- 
der-in-chief In a letter addressed to the count de Grasse, 
Washington had urged every argument to prevail on him to 
give his aid to an expedition against Charleston. To enforce 
the representations contained in his letter, he repaired on 
board the admiral's ship, the Ville de Paris, in company with 
Lafayette ; and on his return, left that nobleman for the pur- 
pose of using his influence in support of the request which 
had been made. But all was unavailing ; and de Grasse 
conclusively replied, that " the orders of his court, ulterior 
projects, and his engagements with the Spaniards, rendered 
it impossible for him to remain on the coast, during the time 
which would be required for the operation. " The marquis, 
however, obtained his consent to convoy a detachment of 
two thousand Americans to Wilmington, and to cover their 
landing. This corps, which was destined to re-enforce the 
army of general Greene, was put under the command of La- 
fayette, with orders to possess himself of Wilmington, situ- 
ated fifteen miles up the Cape Fear, which was still held by 
the British, and thence to march to the southern head-quar- 
ters. As the time of embarkation approached, the admiral 
found it necessary to recede from this engagement, from the 
necessity of being in the West Indies at a certain time, and 
the American commander was thus deprived of the advan- 
tage to be derived from the facile and expeditious convey- 
ance of his re-enforcement as at first arranged.* 

Preparations were accordingly made for marching them by 
land. But Lafayette was once more arrested in his south- 
ern progress. Negotiations for peace soon demanded his 

American War, Vol. IV. 194, 5. Stedman's American War, Vol. II. 
Notice Biograph. p- 6. Garden's Anecdotes, p. 307, 308. Botta's Amer. 
War, Vol. Ill, p. 374, 401, Port Folio, Vol. XIX, p. 502. Toulongeon, 
History de France, Vol. I, Append, p- 97. Mem. Hist, sur M. de La- 
fayette, p. 8, 9. 20, 34. 

* H Lee's Memoirs, Vol. IT, p. 370, 1. Marshall's Washington, Vol. 
IV. p, 500. 1. 



MARQUIS D£ LAFAYETTE. 131 

presence in Europe, to lend to the American cause the aid 
of his industry and zeal. Apprehensions wqjre entertained 
• that France was not ardent in her wishes for peace ; and the 
influence and intelligence of the marquis, it was thought, 
would contribute to the support of the American negotiation. 
Previous to his departure from York-town, he issued his last 
affectionate orders to his favourite corps of infantry, in 
which are contained the following expressions : " In the mo- 
ment the major-general leaves tliis place, he wishes once 
more to express his gratitude to the brave corps of light in- 
fantry, who, for nine months past, have been the companions 
of his fortunes. He will never forget, that with them alone, 
of regular troops, he had the good fortune to manoeuvre be- 
fore an army, which, after all its reductions, is still six times 
superior to the regular force he had at that time." 

In the month of November, 1781, general Lafayette pro- 
ceeded to Philadelphia, where he was hailed with joyful ac- 
clamations, and received the most flattering marks of grati- 
tude and respect from the inhabitants. To whatever quar- 
ter he directed his steps, he was accompanied with the ad- 
miration and applause of the people ; and his journey was 
one perpetuated scene of joy and festivity. 

The field for military operations was now very much con- 
tracted; important negotiations were pending in Europe, 
both with regard to supplies and peace ; and the marquis, 
believing that he might more effectually serve the cause of 
America by his presence beyond the Atlantic, again obtain- 
ed leave to embark for France. The credit which he pos- 
sessed at the court of France, and the use which, from his 
avowed attachment to the United States, he would probably 
make of it, induced congress to add to the resolutions which 
expressed their sense of his meritorious services, others, re- 
questing their ministers in Europe to confer with him on the 
situation of American affairs, and to employ his assistance 
in accelerating such supplies as might be afforded by his 



132 MISTORy OP THE 

most christian majesty. In granting his request for leave of 
absence, congress, on the twenty-third of November, 

Resolved, That major-general the marquis de Lafayette 
have permission to go to France ; and that he return at such 
time as shall be most convenient to him. 

That he be informed, that on a review of his conduct 
throughout the past campaign, and particularly during the 
period in which he had the chief command in Virginia, the 
many new proofs which present themselves of his zealous 
attachment to the cause he has espoused, and of his judg- 
ment, vigilance, gallantry, and address, in its defence, have 
greatly added to the high opinion entertained by congress of 
his merits and military talents. 

That he make known to the officers and troops whom he 
commanded during that period, that the brave and enterpri- 
sing services with which they seconded his zeal and efforts, 
and which enabled him to defeat the attempts of an enemy 
far superior in numbers, have been beheld by congress with 
particular satisfaction and approbation : 

That the secretary of foreign affairs acquaint the minis'^ 
ters plenipotentiary of the United States, that it is the de- 
sign of congress that they confer with the marqtiis de Lafay- 
ette, and avail themselves of his information relative to the 
situation of public affairs in the United States : 

That the secretary for foreign affairs further acquaint the 
minister plenipotentiary at the court of Versailles, that he 
will conform to the intention of congress by consulting with, 
and employing the assistance of, the marquis de Lafayette, 
in accelerating the supplies which may be afforded by his 
most christian majesty, for the use of the United States : 

That the superintendant of finance, the secretary for for- 
eign affairs, and the board of war, make such communica- 
tions to the marquis de Lafayette, touching the affairs of their 
respective departments, as will best enable him to fulfil the 
purpose of the two resolutions immediately preceding : 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 133 

That the superintendant of finance take order for discharg- 
ing the engagements entered into by the marquis de Lafay- 
ette, with the merchants of Baltimore, referred to in the act 
of the twenty-fourth of May last.* 

Ordered, That the superintendant of finance furnish the 
marquis de Lafayette, with a proper conveyance to France : 

That the secretary for foreign affairs report a letter to his 
most Christian majesty, to be sent by the marquis de Lafay- 
ette. 

In addition to these testimonials of the love, gratitude, 
and confidence, of the national legislature, he was furnished 
by the great Robert Morris, superintendant of finance, with 
a most flattering letter to his excellency, Benjamin Frankhn, 
minister in France, dated the twenty-seventh of November, 
1781, of which the following is an extract: 

" Sir, 

" The marquis de Lafayette who is about to sail for France, 
will have the honour to deliver this letter, and, consistently 
with the acts of congress of the twenty -third instant, I must 
request you to communicate it to him ; and, from time to 
time, to take his aid in the prosecution of the business which 
I must recommend to your particular attention. The aiSairs 

* This resolution refers to the supply of shoes, &c. procured by the 
marquis on his private credit in Baltimore, in the month of April. On 
the twenty-fourth of May, 1781, congress adopted the following resolu- 
tions : 

Resolved, That congress entertain a just sense of the patriotic and 
timely exertions of the merchants of Baltimore, who so generously sup- 
plied the marquis de Lafayette, with about two thousand guineas, to 
enable him to forward the detachment under his command : 

That the marquis de Lafayette be assured that congress will take 
proper measures to discharge the engagements he has entered into with 
the merchants. 

From these resolutions, it would appear that the marquis merely act- 
ed as the agent of congress ; and no one would imagine from their 
tenor, that that body had not sufl5cient credit to procure the loan, and 
that Lafayette, accomplished it on his private responsibility. — It would 
have been more noble to have acknowledged the obligation, and voted 
to the marquis the thanks which he deserved. It might have wounded 
the self-pride of members, as individuals, but would have exalted the 
national legislature. 



134 HISTOKY OF THE 

of my department are of a nature not to require concealment ; 
but even if- that were not the case, I have such perfect con- 
fidence, as well in the prudence of the marquis, as in his at- 
tachment to this country, that, the acts of congress out of the 
question, I should feel a pleasure in making him acquainted 
with my views and wishes. Indeed, I expect that his zeal 
and activity will go far in smoothing the way towards the 
accomplishment of those objects which your excellency has 
to solicit." 

In the month of December, 1 78 1 , he embarked for Europe, 
accompanied by the affections and regrets, and loaded with 
the gratitude, of the American people. 

The affection which the marquis bore toward the illustri- 
ous Washington was as pure and as holy, as that of a lover 
towards his mistress. Far from presuming to endeavour to 
scale the height upon which Washington stood, — a height 
inaccessible to any other man ; — far from attempting to di- 
vide with him the wonder and veneration of the world ; — he 
looked up to him only as a father and a friend, and as a model, 
which though he would never equal, he might yet copy at a 
distance. During the intrigues that were in agitation against 
his revered patron, in the year 1778, which had for their ob- 
ject the deposition of the commander-in-chief, Lafayette, 
like another Patroclus, buckled on his armour in defence of 
his Achilles, who disdained to notice the malignant attacks 
of those restless spirits, whose only aim was the aggrandize- 
ment of themselves and their friends at the expense of oth- 
ers. As to general Conway, who was the. most busy actor 
in the cabal, and one of the most wily and inveterate in- 
triguers that had passed from Europe to America, the mar- 
quis de Lafayette, and, led by his example, all the other 
French officers of distinction regarded him with contempt, 
and seldom deigned to notice him at all. This Conway, 
after puffing himself off as an officer of great consequence, ob- 
taining, by the lowest artifices, the appointment of major- 
general, displaying his total want of military science— ex- 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. i35 

hibiting his cowardice by skulking into a farm-house atthe bat- 
tle of Germantown, — and resigning his commission because 
he was too much despised to be employed — was shot in a duel 
by general Cadwalader, for having dared to indulge too 
freely in unbecoming expressions regarding the commander-in- 
chief Believing his wound to be mortal, he retracted, in a letter 
to general Washington, dated the twenty-third of July, 1778, 
all the falsehoods which he had circulated against him ;• but, 
recovering from his wound, he returned to France, covered 
with ignominy. The whole junto were soon desirous of bu- 
rying their ambitious schemes in oblivion. — The most affec- 
tionate attachment indeed existed between general Lafay- 
ette and the commander-in-chief, beneath whose banners it 
was his delight to serve. The language of Washington, res- 
pecting his adopted son, was, " this nobleman unites to all 
the military fire of youth, an uncommon maturity of judg- 
ment." 

The influence, the fortune, and the blood, of the marquis 
de Lafayette, were all devoted to the service of America. 
He was engaged in her cause, either in a political or mili- 
tary capacity, during almost the whole course of the war. 
When he was not animating his brave followers in the field 
of battle, or disciplining them in the camp, he was unfolding 
the comprehensiveness and soundness of his understanding 
in the cabinet, or pressing, at the court of France, with all 
his influence and eloquence, the policy and necessity of sup- 
porting the efforts of struggling America. His very soul 
burned with the spirit of enterprise ; and he manifested a 
disinterestedness and devotion in the cause of freedom, 
which should ever be admired and applauded by a grateful 
people. Possessed of unshaken patriotism, integrity, and hu- 
manity, and of those cardinal virtues which characterise real 
greatness of soul, he always discovered, both in design and 
execution, those traits of genius, and that intuitive knowledge 
of tactics, which designate the great man, and the successful 
wariior. It was no ordinary mind that could lead its pos- 



136 iiisxoKY oy Tui; 

sessor, in the very outset of life, in the spring-tide of worldly 
joy, to sacrifice all the common charms of existence, to the 
higher claims of a laudable ambition. Many of those who 
flocked to our shores were tempted by the hope of gain : but 
the principles which guided Lafayette from all the comforts 
of life to the wilderness of the western world, were as pure as 
the cause, in support of which, his sword now leaped from its 
scabbard. Congress was elated, encouraged and flattered by an 
auxiliary of such high rank, of so much spirit, and such great 
promise, and were not deceived in the expectations which 
they formed of the future services of this " noble phaenome- 
non." — The perseverance of the marquis through so many 
discouraging vicissitudes, and his noble generosity in seasons 
of peculiar distress, show him in a great and elevated point 
of view, having few parallels in history. Had he arrived on 
our shores, a poor and needy adventurer, a ready hireling in 
any cause where pay and plunder might have been expect- 
ed, — had he merely, with a fleeting enthusiasm, hastily en* 
gaged in the American cause as a quixotic crusader, for some 
momentary feat of chivalry, — he would have ranked with the 
ordinary class of adventurers, found in all ages and countries 
in time of war. As such, he would have shrunk from the 
appalling scenes exhibited by a starving, naked, and retreat- 
ing army ; — he would have fled from the delays and vexations 
attending the tardiness of the different states in supplying 
their quota of men and money ; or probably, joined in the 
mutinies and desertions so frequent during the revolutionary 
war. But he was governed by motives too exalted and pow- 
ful to be depressed even by disastrous campaigns, unremit* 
ted vigilance, and arduous service, from year to year, in 
watching and opposing a well disciplined and powerful ene- 
my.* His love of liberty burned too fiercely to be extin- 
guished or diminished, either by perils or privations. 

' On seeing the marquis," says Chastelleux, " one is at a 

« Short Biography, Lafayette, p. ii. 



iUAR<iUlS DE LAFAYETTEj tZf 

loss which most to admire, that so young a man should have 
given such eminent proofs of talents, or that a man so tried, 
should give hopes of so long a career of glory." He was the 
true disciple of Washington, gifted with those rare endow- 
ments, and that pre-eminence of character, which distin- 
guished the heroes of antiquity. He endured calumny with 
the caln^ness of a stoic, and sustained misfortune with the re-* 
signation of a christian, and the firmness of a man. His cou- 
rage was only equalled by his humanity ; and he gained uni- 
versal praise for his benevolence and compassion, in visiting 
and administering relief to the wounded soldiers. Although 
arms were his vocation, his professional duties were always 
tempered with humanity ; and he preferred the lives of his 
brave soldiers, to the chance of decorating his brows with 
blood-stained laurels. When he was re-enforced, in Vir- 
ginia, by three thousand, two hundred Frenchmen, under 
the marquis de St. Simon, he was strongly urged by that no- 
bleman, and admiral de Grasse, to attack lord CornwaHis. 
But he steadfastly resisted their entreaties, and declined the 
opportunity of covering himself with the glory which a vic- 
tory would have obtained. Wishing that blood might be 
spared, he quietly awaited the arrival of generals Washing- 
ton and Rochambeau from the north, with a force adequate 
to look down the opposition of despair itself 

From his easy, affable, and engaging manners, Lafayette 
was particularly endeared to the officers and soldiers under 
his command ; they admired, loved, and revered him, as their 
guide and support when in peril, and their warmest friend 
when in perplexity and trouble. He was beloved, indiscrim- 
inately, by the whole army, not only for that amiable dispo- 
sition, and those charming manners, but for his great gallan- 
try, and ardent attachment to his country. The confidence 
and affection of the troops, were, to him, invaluable posses- 
sions, and well acquired riches, of which no one could, and 
no one desired, to deprive him ; and he always expressed, 
by his air and countenance, that he was happier in receiving 



ld& HISTORY OF THE 

his friends at their head, than at his estate in Auvei^ne. 
The influence and consideration which he acquired among 
the poUtical, as well as the nvilitary body, were highly flat- 
tering to a young man of his age ; and it is confidently assert- 
ed that his private letters have frequently produced more 
effect in arousing the lethargy of some of the states, than 
the strongest exhortations of Congress. In short, he pos- 
sessed, in so high a degree, the character of an accomplished 
and perfect soldier, as to gain the confidence of his superiors, 
the affection of his equals, and the respect and veneration 
of all who served under him. It is no trifling compliment 
to say, that next to the commander-in chief, and the intrepid 
Greene, no general stood higher in the public favour, or 
more constantly commanded the admiration of the army 
than Lafayette. 

Nor did his solicitude for the public welfare of America 
bound his exertions ; for he was ever ready to aid our fellow 
citizens when distressed in Europe ; and oftentimes even 
w^ithout being called upon. Some he rescued from poverty, 
by opening to them his purse ; others, he counselled and de- 
fended. His protecting arm stretched itself beyond the Py- 
renees and snatched the indiscreet American, either from 
the fangs of the officer of the customs, or from the dark and 
unforgiving tribunals of the inquisition. His succour un- 
happily came too late on one of these melancholy occasions ; 
and his letter, on that subject, to the late Samuel Breck, 
esquire, dated in Paris, second June, 1785, is an additional 
evidence of the correctness of his feelings and the goodness 
of his heart : 

" As soon as your letter came to hand," the marquis writes, 
" I addressed the count de Florida Blanca, the Spanish prime 
minister, in behalf of Mr. H. Enclosed you will find his 
answer, and also the copy of an account given to Mr. Car- 
michael, whereby I was much affected to hear poor Mr. H. 
is no more. For fear of disgusting the minister with the 
application, I had, in some measure, refrained from expo- 



MARqtfIS DE LAFAYETTE. 139 

sing the horror I feel for the helHsh tribunal ; but it was su- 
perfluous ; and I beg you will assure Mr. H's friends that I 
am heartily sorry not to have it in my power to give them a 
more agreeable account."* 

On the twentieth of April, 1787, a fire was discovered in a 
malt-house, in Beach-street, Boston, which consumed about 
one hundred buildings, sixty of which were dweUing houses : 
in fact, the greater part of the south end of the town was de- 
stroyed. As soon as the melancholy news reached Paris, 
the benevolent Lafayette desired his friend and correspon- 
dent, the late Samuel Breck, esquire, of Boston, to draw up- 
on him for three hundred pounds sterling, and to distribute 
that sum among the indigent sufferers. This noble charity, 
so characteristic of the munificence and goodness of that ex- 
cellent man, was of the greatest benefit. It served to give 
bread and shelter to many reduced and houseless families, 
and, coming in aid of other donations, was one of the prin- 
cipal means of restoring them to their lost comforts. Boston 
did not then, as at the present day, abound in men of wealth. 
The alms of its inhabitants were limited by their narrow 
means ; and that town, which now contains so many secure 
and magnificent edifices, was then built of such combustible 
materials, that almost every accidental fire ended in a de- 
structive conflagration.! This donation deserves more par- 
ticular notice, on account of the final adieu which Lafayette 
had, in all probability, bade to America ; as well as from the 
circumstance, that all his affection for this country was ac- 
cidentally awakened, amid the great public concerns of 
France, which then demanded and engrossed his attention by 
the perusal of a newspaper containing an account of the de- 
struction and distress occasioned by the fire. 

The benevolent perseverance with which he pursued the 
claim of the widow of a revolutionary ofticer, for the long^ 
period of eight years, is not only an evidence of his attach- 
ment to this country, and more especially to those who la- 

/3 

» Port Folio, Vol. XKE, p. 504- 
t Port Folio, Vol. 3U»rP- S04 

/3 



140 HISTORY OF THE 

boured with him in the cause of independence, but bespeaks 
a heart not given to every man. It is gratifying to add, that 
the claim was brought, by his unremitting and voluntary ex- 
ertions, to a final and favourable close. — The natural bias of 
bis mind is even developed in the names of his children. His 
only son bears the distinguished name of George Washing- 
ton, and his only daughters, in remembrance of " the theatre 
of his toils and of his glory," those of Virginia and Carolina. 

At La Grange he was always accessible to Americans ; 
and his eye kindled whenever he spoke of America. " Why 
cannot you come and live among us," said a visiter, — " to 
lay down your bones among a people who owe you so much, 
and whose latest descendants, will venerate your ashes ?" — 
Lafayette pointed to his grandchildren around him — he made 
no other reply. They were among the strongest ties which 
bound him to France. 

" You are now in America," he said once to an intelligent 
Virginian. — "America?" — "Yes; this room is what I call 
America." His guest looked around him, and beheld every 
where scattered the tokens of his country : maps of the dif- 
ferent states — the portraits of our distinguished men, — of 
Washington, Franklin, Henry, &c. &;c. — American books — 
and the electrical machine, with which the great Franklin 
had made so many experiments, and which he had given, as 
a mark of his respect, to this noble Frenchman. 

The people of the United States, fully apprised of the 
high obligations which they owe to Lafayette,* have prac- 
tically and triumphantly refuted the pretended dogma of the 
ingratitude of republics, not only by the spontaneous effusion 
of affection and veneration which has burst forth from the 
whole mass of the people, but by the more formal acts of 
their representatives. On the third of March, 1803, the 
national legislature passed " an act to revive and continue 
in force, an act in addition to an act, entitled an act in ad- 

* A grand dianer was given to general Lafayette, at the University, 
Charlottesville, Virginia, on the fifth ot November, 1824. On this oc- 
casion, an address, by the venerable Mr. Jefferson, was read, which. 



/MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYIiTTE. 141 

dition to an act regulating the grants of lands appropriated 
for military services, &c. &:c." 

Section 4th. And be it further enacted, that the secretary 
of war be, and he is hereby, authorised to issue land- warrants 
to major general Lafayette, for eleven thousand, five hun- 
dred, and twenty acres, which shall, at his option, be located, 
surveyed, and patented, in conformity with the provisions of 
an act, intituled an act regulating the grants of land appro- 
priated for military services, and for the society of the Uni- 
ted Brethren for propagating the gospel among the heathen, 
or, which may be received, acre for acre, in payment for any 
of the lands of the United States, north of the river Ohio, 
and above the mouth of Kentucky river." 

The name of Lafayette will continue to be preserved not 
only in the hearts, but in the laws of the American people : 
as given to various portions of our territory, it will serve to 
recall to remembrance the services of him who bore it, when 
century upon century have been buried in the " dark back- 
ward and abysm of time," and when the deeds and virtues 
of their forefathers shall appear to our posterity, like the 
bright glories of Rome in her best days, to those who now 
dwell upon the earth. In all parts of the union, we find the 
name of Lafayette mingled with the very existence of the 
republic. In North Carolina, there is a district, one hun- 
dred miles in length, and fifty in breadth, called Fayette, in 

contaias the following remarks. From his oflScial station at the court 
of France, he is uodoubtedl}' the best judge, nonliving, of the value of 
tbe marquis' services at the period of which he speaks: — "I joy, my 
friends, in your joy, inspired by the visit of this our ancient and distin- 
guished leader and benefactor. His deeds in the war of Independence, 
you have beard and read. They are known to you, and embalmed in 
your memories, and in the pages of faithful history. His deeds, in the 
peace which followed that war, are perhaps not known to you ; but I 
can^attest them. When I was stationed in his country, for the purpose 
of cementing its friendship with ours, and of advancing our mutual in- 
terests, this friend of both was my most powerful auxiliary and advo- 
cate. He made our cause his own, as in truth it was that of his native 
country also- His influence and connexions there, were great. All 
doors of all departments were open to him at all times ; to me, only for- 
mally, and at appointed times. In truth, I only held the nail,— he drove 
it. Honour him, then, as your benefactor in peace, as well as in war." 



142 HISTORY OF THE 

which is situated the flourishing town of Fayetteville. In 
Pennsylvania, tliere is a county called Fayette, thirty-nine 
miles long, and twenty-nine broad ; and there is another in 
Kentucky of the same name. There are, also, the town of 
Fayette in Kennebeck coimty, Maine, and the township of 
Fayette, in Alleghany county, Pennsylvania. 

The mark of respect and honour shown to the marquis by 
the legislature of Pennsylvania, in giving to a newly erected 
county, the name of Fayette, was communicated to him in 
the following letter from the governor of the state : 

"Sir, 

" The general assembly has lately erected a considerable 
part of this state into a county, under the name of Lafayette ; 
and the government of it is about to be organized under this 
new denomination. 

" The proclamation of this law has caused me the liveliest 
satisfaction, as a testimonial of the respect in which you are 
held by my fellow citizens. My satisfaction will be greatly 
increased when I learn, that this evidence of the general 
feeling which your talents and conduct have inspired, has 
proved agreeable to you. — As governor of this state, it might, 
perhaps, be proper for me, at this time, to detail to you the 
reasons that have induced the legislature to award this extra- 
ordinary mark of their esteem ; — ^but common language 
would be inadequate to express my feelings. Moreover, the 
high idea which we entertain of your character will not per- 
mit me to dwell upon that subject. Let the world judge of 
the merits of your deeds, and the justice of our gratitude. 

You have been the defender of our liberty : and " the le- 
gislative assembly, while they enjoy that liberty, congratulate 
themselves with the idea, that your name will be henceforth 
inscribed on the various judicial acts which will continue to 
be the record, and evidence, of its existence." 

To this flattering communication, Lafayette returned the 
following reply : 



marquis d£ lafayette* 143 

" Sir, 

" I received your excellency's letter of the sixth of March 
a short time previous to my departure from France ; and I 
congratulate myself on the prospect of having the honour of 
personally presenting the tribute of my gratitude to the le- 
gislative assembly of this state. The slightest marks of its 
consideration could not fail to prove extremely flattering to 
me ; but the honour which it has deigned to confer, by giving 
my name to one of the counties of the state, is so distinguish- 
ed a proof of its esteem, that I want words to express my 
gratitude. 

" So long as I have had the happiness to be acquainted 
with this state, its civil and political rights have been dear to 
me ; and I confess that I am sensibly aifected with the thought 
that my name will be united to the administration of laws, 
whose spirit is so favourable to the rights of human nature, 

" I pray your excellency to present to the legislative as- 
sembly, the tribute of my Uvely gratitude and profound res- 
pect, and, at the same time, to receive my particular acknow- 
ledgments, for the polite and obliging manner in which you 
have been pleased to communicate the honour which that 
body has conferred upon me." 

General Lafayette arrived in the beginning of the year 
1 782, in his native country, where he was received with uni- 
versal respect and admiration. His reception at court was 
extremely flattering ; and wherever he went he was greeted 
with the same enthusiasm and popular favour that always 
accompanied his steps in America. The heroic wife of the 
marquis participated in the homage universally offered to 
her illustrious consort ; — a homage which, from her subse- 
quent conduct, could not have been too affectionate and re- 
spectful. Instar omnium : a short time before his death, 
Voltaire was invited to a numerous party at the house of the 
duke de Choiseul, where he was received with the usual ap- 
plause which attended him wherever he went. Perceiving 
the marchioness de Lafayette among the ladies, he kneeled 



144 HISTORY OF THE 

down at her feet, and bestowed the most flattering eulogiuins 
on her husband, who was then in America : madame receiv- 
ed this homage with affecting modesty, and embarrassment, 
mingled with joy. The venerable old man, at the close of 
his life, experienced the happiness and honour of announcing 
the return of M. de Lafayette to his native country.* After 
remaining a short time in Paris, honoured and respected by 
the court, and almost idolized by the people, he visited his 
estates in Tourraine ; and afterwards proceeded to the 
courts of many of the German princes, where he received 
extraordinary marks of the admiration which his political 
and military conduct had diffused over Europe. He brought 
even to the court of the Caesars, as he had done to the pavi- 
lions of Versailles, the spirit of a pure and antique attach- 
ment to liberty, with the graces of a gallant soldier, and ac-* 
complished gentleman ; and he was received by Joseph the 
second, and Frederick the Great, with flattering distinction. 

In September, 1782, Lafayette arrived at Pottsdam, anx- 
ious to behold the great man who had so long attracted the 
attention of the world. When Frederick was advised of the 
arrival of general Lafayette, he invited him to Sans Soucie 
without delay, where the despot and the defender of liberty, 
frequently entered into long and interesting conversations. 
The stern, unbending, and tyrannical Frederick, not only ex- 
pressed his admiration of Washington and Lafayette, but 
presented the marquis with , his miniature set in diamonds ; 
on this occasion, he remarked, that he hoped this trifling 
memento would sometimes recall him to recollection. It was 
in accompanying the king of Prussia to his reviews , that he 
had an opportunity afforded him of close observation of the 
military genias of that royal tactician, with which he doubt- 
less enriched his own experience. 

From the time of his landing in Europe, Lafayette had in- 
cessantly continued his customary exertions in favour of 

» Mem. Historiques, p. 1 Ifi, \l^. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAVETIE. 146 

America, and he was extremely anxious to accelerate the 
ratification of the treaty between Great Britain, France, and 
America, provisional and preliminary articles for which, had 
been signed, with regard to America, on the thirtieth of No- 
vember, 1782, and, as they respected France, on the twen- 
tieth of January, 1 783. At the same time, he strenuously 
represented to the French government, the evils which might 
flow from a relaxation in their exertions, and the necessity 
of compelling Great Britain to consummate a peace, by giv- 
ing greater and renewed aid to the American cause. His 
exertions in favour of this country, which he considered a 
paramount duty, were so valuable and unceasing, as to call 
forth the particular approbation of congress. On the tenth 
of April, 1783, it was "Resolved, That congress are satisfied 
with the reasons which have prevailed with major-general 
the marquis de Lafayette, for his stay in Europe, and his 
consequent absence from his command in the army of the 
United States ; and have a high sense of the new proofs he 
has exhibited of his zeal in the cause of the said states, and 
of his constant attachment to their interests and welfare." 

In a long and feeling letter to general Washington, written 
immediately after his return from the north of Europe, La- 
fayette exhibits at once his warm affection for the " man of 
the age," his correct view of the political situation of the Uni- 
ted States, and the necessity of a more stable and efficient 
form of government. In communicating the occurrences at 
the courts he had visited, and especially at that of Prussia, 
whose aged and distinguished monarch, uniting the acquire- 
ments of the scholar, with the most profound skill in the art 
of war, could bestow either literary or military fame, he 
dwelt with enthusiasm on the plaudits which were univer- 
sally bestowed on his military patron, and paternal friend. 
" I wish," he remarked, ' the other sentiments I have had 
occasion to discover with respect to America, were equally 
gatisfactory with those that are personal to yourself, I need 
not say (hat the spirit, the firmness with which the revolution 
19 



146 HJSTORY OF THE 

was conducted, have excited universal admiration ; that eve- 
ry friend to the rights of mankind is an enthusiast for the 
principles on which those constitutions are built ; — but I have 
often had the mortification to hear, that the want of powers 
in the congress, of union between the states, of energy in 
their government, would make the confederation very insig- 
nificant." " By their conduct in the revolution," he added, 
" the citizens of America have commanded the respect of 
the world ; but it grieves me to think they will, in a measure, 
lose it, unless they strengthen the confederation ; give con- 
gress power to regulate their trade ; pay off their debt, or at 
least the interest of it ; establish a well regulated militia ; and, 
in a word, complete all those measures which you have re- 
commended to them. '* — Such were the opinions of the best 
and wisest men of the time ; and they resulted in the forma- 
tion of one of the noblest, and, I trust, most durable monu- 
ments of human sagacity and political wisdom to be found 
in the records of history. 

Cabinet negotiations, although, from a sense of duty, so 
long patiently endured, could now no longer restrain the en- 
terprising courage and spirit of Lafayette. He had been ap- 
pointed adjutant general to count d'Estaing, an officer grown 
grey in naval combats, who commanded the French fleet at 
Cadiz, on board of which were eight thousand French and 
Spanish troops destined for America. He immediately pro- 
ceeded to Cadiz, to join this powerful expedition, and was 
about to set sail in quest of new triumphs, and fresher glo- 
ries, when the sailing of the fleet was arrested by the news 
of peace. 

As soon as he received this welcome intelligence from Mr. 
Carmichael, minister of the United States (although not 
then acknowledged,) at the court of Madrid, the noble heart- 
ed Lafayette, with characteristic benevolence, resolved to 
adopt the most effectual measures to prevent the unneces- 

* Marshal's Life of Washington^ Vol. V. p. 73. 



MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 147 

sary effusion of blood. He immediately applied to the count 
d'Estaing, requesting him to furnish a fast sailing vessel for 
the purpose of conveying his despatches, containing the in- 
telligence of the conclusion of the treaty of peace, to Ame- 
rica. This request was complied with ; and the good ship 
Triumph was soon cleaving her way over the waters of the 
Atlantic, bearing, to a lacerated country, the healing balm 
of peace. It was on the afternoon of Sunday, March twenty- 
third, 1783, when the Triumph cast anchor before the city 
of Philadelphia, and great and joyful was the sensation which 
spread itself over the city on the evening of that day. She 
arrived before the official, or any other account of the peace 
had been received. The humanity of giving the earliest 
possible advice of this event — the lives that were saved by 
the consequent cessation of hostilities, greatly enhances the 
debt of gratitude due to Lafayette, from the people of the 
United States.* — The letter of the marquis to congress da- 
ted fifth February 1783, accompanied by a copy of an order 
from the count d'Estaing, directing the cessation of hostili- 
ties by sea. Congress according to the following abstract 
from the journals, proceeded, without delay, to take these 
important communications into consideration : 

"Monday, March 24th, 1783. 

" A letter of February fifth, from the marquis de Lafay- 
ette, announcing a general peace, and a copy of orders giv- 
en by the count d'Estaing, vice-admiral of France, to the 
chevalier du Quesne, commander of the corvette Triumph, 
despatched from Cadiz the sixth of February last, for the 
purpose of putting a stop to all hostilities by sea, being laid 
before congress and read ; 

" Resolved, That the agent of marine be, and he is hereby, 
directed, immediately to re-call all armed vessels cruizing 
under commissions from the United States of America." 

* This strong claim upon oar gratitude has not been noticctl in the 
commeodations so deservedly bestowed on the marquis. 



}48 HISTORY OP THE 

At a subsequent period, a bust of the marquis was placed, 
by the legislature of Virginia, in a niche of the wall of a spa- 
cious area in the centre of the capitol of that state, near the 
fine marble statue of his adopted father. 

No sooner was the independence of America established, 
and tranquillity once more restored to Europe, than the mar- 
quis applied himself with increased attention, to the com- 
mercial relations of France and America, which had for 
some time occupied his thoughts. His exertions in 1 783 and 
1 784, principally related to certain free ports in France, in 
favour of American vessels, a grant, which he endeavoured 
successfully to prove to the French government, would be 
equally beneficial to both countries. The perseverance and 
ability with which he prosecuted this scheme, insured its 
success, and its precise nature may be gathered from the 
following letter of the minister de Colonne, in answer to a 
memorial on the subject : 

Versailles, January/ 9tk, 1784. 
Sir, 

^ I have communicated to the king, the observations con- 
tained in the memorial which you transmitted to me, rela- 
tive to the commerce of America, and those which you made 
at our last conference. 

I am authorised to announce to you, that it is the intention 
of his majesty to grant to the United States, the ports of 
L'Orient and Bayonne, as free ports, and besides these, those 
of Dunkirk and Marseilles ; the first of which enjoys abso- 
lute freedom, and the other is restrained in the exercise of 
that freedom, only with regard to tobacco, which is there 
subjected to a duty. The Americans may, from this mo- 
ment, send their vessels to those four ports, where they will 
not meet with any kind of difficulty. You niay, if neces- 
sary, explain what is meant by free ports, agreeably to the 
signification thereof, given by M. de Vergennes, in his letter 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 149 

of the twenty-ninth of June last.* The Americans will find 
above all at Dunkirk, all the facilities they can desire for 
the sale of their leaf tobacco, their rice, their timber, and 
other merchandise, as well as for tlie purchase of what they 
want, such as linens, woollens, brandy, &;c. It is proposed 
to establish stores and magazines there, which shall be well 
supplied, on terms very advantageous for their commerce. 
I have given orders to the farmer general to treat, in prefer- 
ence, and at a reasonable price, for the purchase of the to- 
baccos of North America ; and, moreover, the United States 
will be as much favoured in France, in matters of commerce, 
as any other nation. The complaints which they may make 
to you, or which Mr. Franklin, and the other American min- 
isters, which I would be very glad to see, may transmit to 
me on their behalf, shall be examined with great attention, 
and government will not suffer them to experience any kind 
of vexation. Every possible precaution will also be taken 
to prevent the sending out bad merchandise, which, if it has 
hitherto taken place, can only be attributed to the avarice 
of some merchants of the lowest order. I intend immedi- 
ately to examine what relates to the customs and duties 
which are injurious to commerce. This is an important sub- 
ject and requires great attention. — In fine. Sir, you may rely 

* The following is the letter alluded to by M. de Colonne : 

Versailles, June 29th, 1783. 
Sir, 

I have received the letter you did me the honour to write on the sev- 
enteenth of this month. You desire to know what is meant by a free 
port. 

By this term, Sir, we mean a place to which all merchandises, as 
well foreign as domestic, may he imported, and from which they may 
be freely exported. You will judge, Sir, by this definition, that all the 
merchandises of the North, without exception, may be imported into 
L'Orient, and exported from it, by the Americans. In a word, L'Orieot 
will be reputed foreign with regard to France, as far as respects com- 
merce. The prohibitions and duties on foreign merchandises, will take 
effect only in case any person desires to introduce into the interior part 
of the realm, the merchandises subjected to the one or the other. 
I have the honour to be &c- 

De Vergennes. 
Jtf. the marguis de Lafayette. • 



150 HISTORY OF THE 

that I shall be always disposed, as well as Mons. the marshal 
de Castries, and Mons. the count de Vergennes, to receive 
and listen with attention, to the demands and further repre- 
sentations which you shall think proper to make in favour of 
the commerce of America. 

I have the honour to be, &;c. 

De Colonne. 
M. the marquis de Lafayette. 

P. S. The ports of Bayonne and L' Orient, will be made 
similar to that of Dunkirk, with regard to entire freedom. 

The succeeding extracts from the official letters of the 
superintendant of Finance, not only demonstrate the untir- 
ing zeal of Lafayette for the service of this country, but the 
importance that was attached to the commercial privileges 
which he obtained in her favour: 

Mr. Morris to the president of congress, transmitting the ob- 
servations of Lafayette on the commerce between France 
and the United States. 

April 16, 1784. 
" The masterly manner in which the marquis has treated 
a subject, certainly foreign to his former habits and views, 
merits great applause, and will, I doubt not, procure that 
approbation from Congress, which will be to him a grateful 
reward, for his zealous and dexterous exertions to promote 
the interests of America." 

Mr. Morris to the president of Congress, enclosiyxg certain 
letters from France. 

May 19, 1784. 
" Congress will see, from these papers, new instances of 
the affectionate zeal and industry of that nobleman in the 
service of the United States. The grateful sense which 
they entertain of these services, will be, to him, a pleasing 
gratification, and I shall find it my duty, in acknowledging 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 151 

his letters, to assure him of their favourable dispositicms, 
and to solicit his farther exertions. ' 

Mr. Morris to the marquis ■ : Lafayette. 

September 30, 1784. 
" Accept, I pray you, my thanks for the services you have 
rendered to America, and be persuaded of my warmest wishes 
for success to all your subsequent pursuits." 

Mr. Morris to the president of Congress. 

September 30, 1784. 

" The unexampled attention to every American interest, 
which this gentleman has exhibited, cannot fail to excite the 
strongest emotions in his favour, and we must, at the same 
time, admire the judgment which he has shown in the man- 
ner of his applications, as well as the industry in selecting 
proper materials. There can be httle doubt that his inte- 
rest, at his own court, must always prove beneficial to this 
country, while the same cordiality shall continue which now 
subsists between him, and the venerable plenipotentiary now 
resident at Passy." 

In the beginning of 1784, an interesting correspondence 
took place between Robert Morris and the marquis de Lafay- 
ette, relative to the Isle of France, in which the superinten- 
dant of finance endeavoured to procure the establishment of 
a free port on that island. It was thought that great advan- 
tages would accrue to both nations from the adoption of that 
measure, and that it would be the means of establishing, at 
that port, the most extensive and useful commerce with In- 
dia, that had ever before existed. The Americans, it was 
supposed, would find it particularly beneficial, because they 
might trade freely and without risk to such port ; — and the 
French, because they would undoubtedly furnish all those ar- 
ticles of India goods which American vessels would other- 
wise go in starch of, to India, or procure from other nations. 



152 HlSTOKr OF THE 

" This," said Mr. Morris, " will form an object of near twenty 
millions of livres annually ; or, calculating both the export 
and import cargoes, it will amount to about thirty millions ; 
and, consequently, cannot be less than five millions clear ad- 
vantage to France. And if it be considered that tliis is so 
much taken from her commercial rival, we may estimate it 
as being an object often millions annually." " I consider it as 
almost certain," he adds, " that America would find it more 
advantageous to trade with that port, than to go on to India. 
And hence I draw one very strong inference, that we should 
not only be, by that means, brought into a closer political 
connexion with France, but that France would hold a much 
larger share of all our other commerce, than she would with- 
out such an establishment." 

The services rendered by Lafayette, and the privileges 
that he obtained, in relation to the commerce of America, 
strongly excited the gratitude of her citizens and rulers. 
Congress, on the third of May, 1784, " Resolved, That a let- 
ter be written by the president to the marquis de Lafayette, 
expressing the high sense which Congress entertains of his 
important services, relative to the commerce of France and 
these United States, and particularly to free ports ; that there 
is every reason to expect mutual and permanent advantages 
from these liberal measures adopted by his most Christian 
majesty, and that an extension thereof to his West India co- 
lonies will, in the opinion of Congress, increase those advan- 
tages, and produce the most salutary effect." 

It is proper, in this place, to notice the benefits conferred 
by Lafayette on that portion of the American community, 
engaged in the whale fisheries, during the years 1 784 and 
1785. Addressing himself to the ministry of Louis XVI, he 
obtained from them in favour of a company of merchants, to 
be instituted in Boston, the exclusive privilege of furnishing 
free of duty, sixteen thousand quintals of oil to M. Sangrain, 
contractor general for lighting the cities of Paris, Versailles. 
&ic. &c who agreed to enter into a contract with a company, 



MARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 153 

to be formed in America, to purchase that quantity of whale 
oil, of three qualities ; one half of the first quality, one quar- 
ter of the second, and one quarter of the third, deliverable at 
Havre, Nantz and Bordeaux ; — the value of each kind to be 
fixed by the current price of the port, at the time of delive- 
ry. After the establishment of the price, payment was to be 
made by M. Sangrain, in articles of the growth and manufac- 
ture of France, according to invoices to be furnished by the 
American company's agents, and to the full value of the oil 
imported ; — the price of these articles to be regulated in the 
same manner as that of the oil. 

These proposals were signed by M. Sangrain at Paris, oh 
the seventh of May, 1785, and immediately delivered to, and 
forwarded by, the marquis, to the United States. He had 
laboured with great assiduity to procure the total exemption 
of duties on whale oil, but without success ; because the 
French government had directed their attention to the en- 
couragement of the fisheries in vessels of their own nation. 
The following extract from his letter, however, to Samuel 
Breck, esquire, of Boston, will show that, with regard to the 
sixteen thousand quintals already mentioned, he was com- 
pletely successful ; at the same time, it is an evidence of the 
singleness of his heart, and the simplicity of his style : 

"Paris, May 13th, 1785. 
" My dear friend, 

" In consequence of our conversations, I have endeavour- 
ed to obtain an exemption of duties upon whale oils, but it 
could not be done, because the French ministry are this very 
moment encouraging that fishery. I, therefore, took another 
way, and made a bargain, which you will find the more ad- 
vantageous, as I have obtained from M. de Calonne, a total 
exemption of duties, — national — foreign — of every kind what- 
soever — for the three American vessels who will carry this 
invoice of oils. You easily can conceive that the favour 
could not be granted for more than one invoice. It is very 
important that it be of a good nature ; but I have put in the 
20 



154 HiSTOKV OJb' THE 

bargain that the residue, i. e. the most precious part, migiit 
be left out. I very much wish Wadsworth and you may un- 
dertake it, as I think there is a profit to be made. The pass- 
ports, I will send by the next packet. Mr. Adams is to show 
you, and Mr. Wadsworth is to send you by express, the copy 
of the proposals. So much for one time ; but am not so 
sanguine for the future, except this invoice is very satisfac- 
tory, and the national attempt does not meet with success. 

" I worked very hard to bring this about ; and am happy 
at having, at last, obtained a point which may be agreeable 
to New England, and the people of Boston. I wish they 
may, at large, know I did not neglect their affairs ; and, al- 
though this is a kind of private bargain, yet as it amounts to 
a value of about eight hundred thousand French livres, and 
government have been prevailed upon to take off all duties, 
it can be considered as a matter of importance." 

On the twenty-eighth of June, M. de Calonne officially an- 
nounced to the farmer general and to M. de Lafayette, the 
total exemption from duty on the specified quantity of oil, 
if imported previous to the first day of June, 1786 — the pro- 
ceeds of the oil to be invested in the produce or manufac- 
tures of France. 

These continued and valuable marks of his affection for 
this country could not fail to make a general and lasting iin- 
pression on the minds of the American community. No 
wonder, then, that his progress through the United States in 
the year 1784, resembled, in its best features, a Roman tri- 
umph. We cannot omit, in this place, as connected with 
the subject which has just been treated upon, the singular 
mode of testifying their gratitude, adopted by the. inhabitants 
of Nantucket, who had become extremely impoverished by 
tlie long war, by which their common means of subsistence 
had been totally destroyed. This novelty is described in 
the following letter, dated Nantucket, nineteenth September, 
1786, and published in the New Plymouth Gazette of the 
twentv-i?eventh of the same month 



;^' 



MARQUIS DB LAFAYETTE. 155 

" Although separated from the continent, the inhabitants 
of this island have nevertheless, participated with their fel- 
low citizens, in the just tribute of gratitude which the great 
services rendered by M. the marquis de Lafayette to the 
United States have obtained. As wise, as useful, and as en- 
lightened in peace, as he was brave and skilful in war, he 
has endeavoured still closer to draw together two nations, 
already united by policy and reason. To accomplish this 
object, he has devoted his attention to those commercial ties 
which might prove mutually advantageous. With the view 
of establishing our commercial relations on a solid and per- 
manent basis, and of affording to us the means of paying for 
the merchandise which we are desirous of exporting from 
France, he has obtained the privilege that our whale oil 
(which, with our flocks, constitutes our sole riches) shall pay 
no other duty than that of the Hanseatic towns : this gener- 
ous concession on the part of the French government, has 
conferred upon us an extraordinary benefit, as it revives our 
discouraged industiy, and establishes us on this island, the 
land of our fathers, from which the new order of things would 
otherwise have compelled us to emigrate. Penetrated with 
gratitude for so signal a service, the inhabitants of Nantuck- 
et, in corporation assembled, voted and resolved, That each 
of them should contribute the milk afforded by his cow dur- 
ing the space of twenty -four hours ; that the whole quantity 
thus obtained should be manufactured into a cheese weighing 
jive hundred pounds ; and that the same should be transmit- 
ted to the marquis de Lafayette, as a feeble, but not less sin- 
cere, testimonial, of the affection and gratitude of the inhabi- 
tants of Nantucket."* — We trust that the present generation 
will not imitate their fathers, by preparing a second grand 
vaccine jubilee. 

In the summer of 1784, Lafayette urged by his strong pub- 
lic and private attachments, and by the urgent entreaties of 
his American friends, prepared again to visit the transatlantic 
theatre of his toils and glory. He longed once more to em- 
* Mem. Hist. pp. 117, 118. 



156 HISTORY OF THE 

brace his friend and patron, the illustrious Washington, who 
had earnestly joined in the general invitation, and who, hav- 
ing retired to the shades of private life, thus feelingly descri- 
bed his happy situation, to his adopted child. " At length, 
my dear marquis, I have become a private citizen on the 
banks of the Potomac ; and, under the shadow of my own 
vine, and my own fig-tree, free from the bustle of the camp, 
and the busy scenes of public life, I am solacing myself with 
those tranquil enjoyments, of which the soldier, who is ever 
in pursuit of fame,— the statesman, whose watchful days and 
sleepless nights are spent in devising schemes to promote the 
welfare of his own, perhaps the ruin of other countries, as if 
this globe was insufficient for us all, — and the courtier, who 
is always watching the countenance of his prince in the hope 
of catching a gracious smile, — can have very little concep- 
tion, I have not only retired from all public employments, 
but am retiring within myself, and shall be able to view the 
solitary walk, and tread the paths of private life, with heart- 
felt satisfaction. Envious of none, I am determined to be 
pleased with all ; and this, my dear friend, being the order 
of my march, I will move gently, down the stream of life, 
until I sleep with my fathers." 

On the first of July, 1784, the marquis embarked at 
Havre on board of the packet ship Courier, and arrived at 
New- York on the fourth of August.* 

* The particulars of Lafayette's tour through the United States in 
1784, are principally derived from a work, entitled, " Memoires Histo- 
riques et Pieces Authentiques sur M. de Lafayette, Paris, I'au second 
(1794) ]2mo. pp. 303;" which contains a mass of miscellaneous matter 
relative to the marquis. His visit to this country is minutely described, 
by M. de Crevecoeur, in not less than sixty-three pages, which embrace 
the various addresses presented to Lafayette, together with his reply to 
each. We have made these observations and acknowledgments, to 
avoid the suspicion that we are indebted to the book of general Holstein 
for our account of the marquis' visit- As the general has published 
nearly a literal translation from the Memoires Historiques, and no re- 
ference is made to that work, we might very readily, and, indeed, al- 
most certainly, without this explanation, have fallen nnderthe imputa- 
tion of having pilfered from the pages of Holstein. It has been our 
pleasure to enter more into details, and to alter the phraseology of our 
authority, but the resemblance is still very apparent. — T'^ide Mem- Hist. 
p. 51 — 114. 



MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 157 

The visit of Lafayette to America in 1 784, may be rank- 
ed among the most interesting events of his hfe. He now 
crossed the ocean to behold the glorious fruits of the toils 
and dangers in which he had participated. He had gone 
forth as a sower to sow : but his seeds fell neither by the 
way side, where the fowls came and devoured them up ; — 
nor upon stony places, where they were scorched by the 
sun and withered away ; — nor among thorns, which sprung 
up and choked them. But " they fell into good ground, 
and brought forth fruit, some a hundred fold, some sixty 
fold, some thirty fold. Who hath ears to hear, let him 
hear." — He found America free, united, and independent, 
enjoying, after a long, calamitous, and uncertain war, the 
uninterrupted blessings of peace. Surrounded by his old 
associates in arms, who had now beaten their swords into 
plough-shares, and their spears into pruning hooks, he might 
well have exclaimed, in the language of the psalmist, " Be- 
hold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell 
together in unity : it is as the dew of Hermon, and as the 
dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion." 

No sooner had the news of Lafayette's arrival spread it- 
self over the city, than all the officers who had served with 
him or under his command, and the citizens who were ac- 
quainted with him during the war, abandoned their usual oc- 
cupations, and hastened to behold again their fellow soldier 
and friend, and to welcome him to their shores. The next 
day, he was invited to a splendid entertainment, where the 
officers appeared in their uniforms, which had been long 
cast aside, but were now resumed in honour of the occasion. 
Uninterrupted joy and cordiality enlivened this friendly and 
paternal festival ; for it was the first repast that Lafayette 
made in America, after the acknowledgment and full estab- 
lishment of her independence. 

Having passed a few days in New-York, he departed for 
Philadelphia, where he was preceded by the happy news of 
his arrival from Europe. At some distance from the city, 



158 HISTORY OF THE 

he was met by a numerous escort, consisting of the officers 
who had served in the continental army, the officers of mih- 
tia, and a great number of citizens who received him with 
the most ardent tokens of gratitude. The ringing of bells, 
and the thunder of cannons, announced his entrance into 
Philadelphia. Not only the streets, but the doors and win- 
dows of the houses, were crowded with spectators, and all 
the public places resounded with acclamations — After visit- 
ing the governor, he was escorted to his rooms in the City 
Hotel, where he partook of a splendid supper : in the even- 
ing, a general illumination took place. On the day after 
his arrival, generals Wayne, St. Clair, and Irwin, were depu- 
ted by the corps of officers, to congratulate him on his arri- 
val, and offer him their respects, in the name of the Pennsyl- 
vania line. But it was not only from his friends, his acquaint- 
ance, and the different societies of the city, that he receiv- 
ed the most flattering and energetic addresses. The legisla- 
ture of Pennsylvania, as soon as they were informed of his 
arrival, appointed a committee, consisting of one member 
from each county, to present him with the following 

ADDRESS. 
The representatives of the freemen of the state of Penn- 
sylvania, offer you their most affectionate congratulations on 
your safe arrival in Philadelphia, and welcome you in the 
nafiie of the state. Enjoying the blessings of liberty and 
peace, we contemplate, with peculiar delight, those distin- 
guished characters who braved the dangers of the ocean, to 
unite in our struggle against oppression, and to aid us in 
bringing our revolutionary war to a happy termination. We 
consider you as the first among those illustrious men ; — your 
example and your zeal, animated and encouraged even our 
own citizens, and you did not depart from us until the object 
of our wishes was accomplished. Receive, sir, this mark of 
our gratitude for the numerous services that you have ren- 
dered to this country, both in the cabinet and the field. May 



?.IAaQ,"Ui3 DE LArAYETTE. 159 

your abode in America be as pleasing to you, as to a nation 
which can never forget the brilliant conduct, and distinguish- 
ed talents, of the Marquis de Lafayette. 

To this address the marquis replied in the following terms : 

I deeply feel the flattering testimonial of approbation, with 
which I am honoured by the legislature of Pennsylvania. My 
reception in this city, — the remembrance of the great obli- 
gations which I owe to this state, — the beautiful spectacle 
created by the return of peace and plenty, — all concur at 
this time, in augmenting my happiness. — I sensibly acknow- 
ledge, gentlemen, your goodness in recalling my feeble efforts 
to your remembrance; — and I, also, recollect the impression 
which your zeal, your patriotism, and your perseverance, at 
that time, made upon my mind. 

Now that the great work is accomplished, let us mutually 
congratulate ourselves on the federal union which the peace 
has cemented, and upon which, the importance, the power, 
and the riches of this beautiful country, rest : that union is 
the bond which will continue to preserve brotherly love and 
reciprocal friendship among the citizens of the states. — I 
shall be happy to receive the commands of this republic, at 
every period of my existence, and in whatever part of the 
world I may be : my zeal for its prosperity is only equalled 
by my gratitude and respect.* 

Desirous of speedily accomplishing one of the principal 
objects of his voyage, and of enjoying the heartfelt happi- 
ness of again beholding his illustrious patron and friend, he 
left Philadelphia on the fourteenth of August — slept at Bal- 
timore the next night — and on the nineteenth arrived at 
Mount Vernon, and rested beneath the roof hallowed by the 
presence and the virtues of Washington. 

* These documents being translated from the French, as well as 
soine others which are to be found in this volume, some variation from 
the phraseology of the originals, no doubt, exists ; but the sense is in no 

wise altered. Tlie oriarinals were not at hand- 



160 HISTORY OF THE 

When we reflect upon the principal events in the lives of 
these two illustt-ious men ;— the difference in their ages and 
countries ; — the distance which separated them from each 
other ; — the circumstances which brought them together ; — 
the importance of the scenes through which they had passed ; 
the glorious success of their courageous efforts ; — the mutual 
anxiety again to embrace each other ; — the tender and truly 
paternal esteem of the one, and the respect, admiration, and 
fihal attachment, of the other ; — when we reflect upon all 
this, we find that every thing contributed to stamp this in- 
teresting interview with a sublimity of character, which had 
no prototype in the annals of man.* 

After having passed twelve happy days at Mount Vernon, 
the remembrance of which have long been faithfully cher- 
ished by Lafayette, he proceeded to Baltimore, where he ar- 
rived on the thirty-first of August. One impulse alone ap- 
peared to animate every mind, and immense crowds flocked 
to offer to him the tribute of their gratitude and affection. 
An address was presented to him by a committee consisting 
of the principal inhabitants, in the name of the citizens of 
Baltimore ; and he was honoured with a civic festival, at 
which more than three hundred individuals were present. 

It would be necessary to translate all our thoughts and 
feelings to the days of the revolution, to abstract ourselves 
as it were, from the present to the past, — -to be able to ap- 
preciate the remarkable and almost miraculous ascendency, 
which this young man, then in his twenty-eighth year, had 
obtained over the minds of all classes of society. This in- 
fluence even extended to the allied nations of Indians, with 
whom he had frequently treated during the war ; and he was 
so well known to the members of congress, who had just 
been deputed to negotiate a treaty of peace with those sava- 
ges at Fort Schuyler, that he was invited to join in their de- 
liberations, 

* Memoires Historiques, &c. p. 63. 



aiARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 161 

In consequence of this invitation, he returned to New- 
York, on the twelfth of September, wliere he remained three 
days previous to the continuance of his route to Albany. — 
The day after his arrival, the corporation of the city unani- 
mously admitted him to all the rights of citizenship, and ap- 
pointed a committee to present to him the diploma in a gold- 
en box, accompanied with a suitable address. Major-gener- 
al M'Dougal, at the head of the officers of the continental 
army, also presented him with an expressive and affectionate 
address, and invited him to a superb entertainment. On the 
following day, he was placed at the head of a table, around 
which were seated the greater part of the respectable citi- 
zens and strangers. 

On the twentieth of September, he embarked on the 
Hudson, accompanied by numerous individuals who were 
anxious to witness the approaching ceremony, and proceed- 
ed to Fort Schuyler, to participate in the " talk" with the 
Indians. He addressed them with his usual eloquence and 
skill, pointing out the advantages of peace, and the certain 
destruction that awaited them, if they persisted in ravaging 
the frontiers. The words of Kayewla, for such was the In- 
dian title of Lafayette, were received with satisfaction and 
gratitude, even by the untutored savage, " Father !" replied 
one of the Mohawk chiefs, " we have heard thy voice, and 
we rejoice that thou hast visited thy children, to give to them 
good and necessary advice : thou hast said that we have done 
wrong in opening our ears to wicked men, and closing oar 
hearts to thy counsels. Father ! it is all true ; we have left 
the good path ; we have wandered away from it, and been 
enveloped in a black cloud. We have now returned, that 
thou mayest find in us, good and faithful children. Father ! 
we rejoice to hear thy voice among us ; it seems that the 
Great Spirit has directed thy footsteps to this council of 
friendship, to smoke the calamut of peace and fellowship, 
with thy long-lost children." 

After returning to Albanv, and visiting the famous battle- 
21 



162 HISTOKY OF IHJi 

ground of Saratoga, Lafayette proceeded toward Boston, in 
accordance with the pressing invitations that he had receiv- 
ed. In passing through Connecticut, he was met at some 
distance from Hartford by a great number of its principal in- 
habitants, who escorted him into the town, amid the roar of 
eannon, and the acclamations of the people. The civil au- 
thorities addressed him on behalf of the citizens, and express- 
ed the real pleasure which his return had universally pro- 
duced : they also invited him to a grand public dinner. Some 
time after, when the town of Hartford was incorporated, the 
new municipality, at their first meeting, conferred on him, as 
well as his son, all the rights of citizenship. 

From Hartford, he directed his course to Worcester, in 
the state of Massachusetts, and from thence to Watertown, 
about seven miles from Boston, where he was met by the 
officers of the old continental army, and escorted to the ho- 
tel. On their march toward Boston, they were met by a 
body of troops, bearing the flags of America and France, 
who saluted their distinguished visiter with thirteen guns : 
soon after, a great number of citizens joined this military 
escort. The procession was now formed in the following 
order: 1. The pioneers. 2. A company of artillery and of 
independents. 3. Drums and fifes. 4. Full military band. 
5. The marquis de Lafayette, accompanied by the count 
Grandehain, commander of the royal frigate La Nymphe, the 
chevalier de Caraman, who attended him from France, and 
major-general Knox. 6. The officers of the Massachusetts 
line. 7, M. de Letombe, consul-general of France. 8. Ci- 
tizens in carriages. 9. Last division of officers. — His ap- 
proach was proclaimed to the citizens of Boston by the firing 
of cannon and the ringing of bells, and an immense multitude 
poured forth to welcome the hero ; the streets through which 
be passed were filled with spectators, as well as the doors, 
windows, and even the roofs, of the houses. When he en- 
tered State-street, a second salute of thirteen guns was fired, 
and the shouts and acclamations of the multitude were un- 



MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 163 

ceasing, until he arrived at his lodgings. Having presente4 
himself in the balcony to gratify the loud and reiterated 
wishes of the people, he returned thanks to the citizens with 
his usual affability. The proper authorities relighted the 
lamps of the city on the evening of this memorable day, for 
the first time since the conclusion of the war. 

The day after his arrival, general Knox presented him 
with an address in the name of the continental officers of the 
Massachusetts line, to which he made a modest and affec- 
tionate reply. 

The state government, being desirous of affording a dis- 
tinguished evidence of their gratitude and esteem toward the 
marquis, selected the nineteenth day of October, celebrated 
as the anniversary of the capture of Cornwallis, to confer 
new pubHc honours on their illustrious guest. In conse- 
quence of previous arrangements, the governor of the state, 
the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of re- 
presentatives, the executive council, and the members of the 
two houses, assembled in the great hall of audience, to con- 
gratulate him on his happy arrival in America. When M 
de Lafayette was introduced, the governor, in eloquent and 
impressive terms, testified the high esteem and gratitude en- 
tertained for him by the state of Massachusetts, the remem- 
brance of which could never be effaced. — The report of this 
ceremony having spread itself over the city, all the neigh- 
bouring streets were completely crowded with people, and 
it was with great difficulty that a lane was formed by the 
military through the multitude, to the City Hotel. When 
this was effected, Lafayette appeared, accompanied by the 
governor, the members of the legislature, the old continental 
officers, the clergymen of different sects, and the principal 
citizens, who escorted him into the great saloon of the hotel 
where an entertainment had been prepared for five hundred 
persons. Thirteen arcades were thrown across the bottom of 
the saloon, emblematical of the thirteen states of the Union : 
Lafayette was seated beneath the centre arch, from whicli 



164 HISTORY OF THE 

a fleur-de-lys was suspended. After dinner, thirteen pa- 
triotic toasts were drunk, and each one celebrated by thir- 
teen guns stationed in the market-place. When the health 
of general Washington was pronounced, a curtain, placed 
behind M. de Lafayette, immediately fell, and disclosed the 
portrait of that great man, encircled with laurels, and deco- 
rated with the flags of America and France. Lafayette 
arose, and steadfastly regarded it with a mixture of tender- 
ness, pleasure, and surprise. For a few moments he gazed 
in silent admiration, when a voice exclaimed, Long live 
Washington ! — the effect was electrical ; the name of the 
gallant chieftain of liberty resounded from all parts of the 
room, and the shouts of Long live Washington ! were drown- 
ed amid peals of applause and enthusiastic acclamations. — 
On the same evening Mrs. Hayley gave a grand ball, accom- 
panied with splendid ftre-works, in honour of Lafayette, and 
her house was brilliantly illuminated. The legislative assem- 
bly granted him the privilege of assisting in their sittings, 
which he frequently made use of during his stay in Boston. 
After remaining a few days, he proceeded to visit the 
towns of Salem, Cape-Anne, Marblehead, Beverly, and New- 
buryport, and then proceeded to Portsmouth, the capital of 
New-Hampshire, where a great number of his old military 
comrades had retired to enjoy repose in the bosom of their 
families. Wherever he went he was greeted with affection- 
ate addresses and public entertainments : his entrance into, 
and departure from, the towns on his route, were announced 
by the merry ringing of bells, the loud roar of cannon, and 
the acclamations of grateful multitudes ; and these evidences 
of national affection and gratitude were the more precious, 
as they bore the marks of an energetic zeal and friendly sin- 
cerity, rather than of pomp and ostentation. — When the ad- 
dress of the inhabitants of Marblehead was concluded, the 
orator perceiving that M. de Lafayette appeared astonished 
at the great number of women mingled with the male citizens 
who had been deputed to offer him their congratulations, re- 



AIABqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 165 

marked ; " These are the widows of those who have perish^ 
ed in the revolutionary war, and the mothers of children for 
whose liberty you have contended on the field of battle. — 
They are now here in the places of their husbands, many of 
whom were once known to you. 

Lafayette now returned to Boston, and, in a few days, 
proceeded to Providence, where he met with the customary 
honours. He was invited to a grand entertainment, by the 
governor, deputy-governor, members of the legislature, and 
principal citizens, and presented with addresses both by tjije 
government and the officers of the army. 

After visiting Newport, the scene of his active exertions 
in the summer of 1778, he returned to Boston, and embark- 
ed in the royal frigate La Nymphe for the mouth of York 
River, in Chesapeake Bay. Lafayette now approached the 
theatre on which he had displayed the full powers of his mili- 
tary greatness, — where he had united the bravery of youth, 
with the circumspection of the veteran, — and where he had 
baffled the manoeuvres, restricted the operations, and finally, 
entangled in inextricable toils, one of the most brave and 
celebrated generals of Europe. — The inhabitants of Wil- 
liamsburg came to the shore to receive the gallant youth 
who had saved a part of their territory from British devas- 
tations, and escorted him into the city, where he was receiv- 
ed with almost indescribable marks of enthusiasm and love. 
He became the guest of the brave general Nelson ; and, the 
n^t day, received the congratulations and addresses of the 
city-corporation. 

On the morning of the eighteenth of November, the mar- 
quis entered Richmond, where Washington had arrived three 
days before^ a city which, by a long and extraordinary forced 
march, he had once saved from pillage and destruction. — 
Never was reception more cordial, or more demonstrative 
of affection and respect, than was given to these beloved 
personages. The house of delegates, immediately on its 
meeting, came to the following resolution : " The house be- 



166 HISTORY OF THE 

ing informed of the arrival, this morning, of the marquis de 
Lafayette in this city. Resolved, nemine contradicente, that 
a committee of five be appointed, to present to him the af- 
fectionate respects of this house, to signify to him their sen- 
sibility to the pleasing proof, given by this visit to the United 
States, and to this state in particular ; that the benevolent 
and honourable sentiments which originally prompted him 
to embark in the hazardous fortunes of America, still render 
the prosperity of its affairs an object of his attention and re- 
gard ; and to assure him, that they cannot review the scenes 
of blood and danger through which we have arrived at the 
blessings of peace, without being touched, in the most lively 
manner, with the recollection, not only of the invaluable ser- 
vices for which the United States at large are so much in- 
debted to him, but of that conspicuous display of cool intre- 
pidity and wise conduct, during his command in the campaign 
of 1781, which, by having so essentially served this state in 
particular, have given him so just a title to its particular ac- 
knowledgments. That, impressed as they thus are with the 
distinguished lustre of his character, they cannot form a wish 
more suitable, than that the lesson it affords may inspire all 
those whose noble minds may emulate his glory, to pursue it 
by means equally auspicious to the interests of humanity." 

And a committee was appointed, of Mr. Henry, Mr. Madi- 
son, Mr. Jones, (of King George,) Mr. Matthews, and Mr. 
Brent. 

An address like this, proceeding from an assembly adorn- 
ed by the virtues, the abilities, and the eloquence, of a 
Henry and a Madison, could not have failed to impress the 
heart of the marquis de Lafayette with feelings of almost 
inexpressible delight. And, accordingly, in his feeling reply, 
he expressed, in appropriate terms, his thanks for the flat, 
tering favour which they had conferred on him, and for the 
constant partiality and unbounded confidence of Virginia 
towards him, in the most trying times. " I need not add," 
said he, " what my sentiments must be in Virginia, where 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 167 

step by step have I so keenly felt for her distress, — so eager- 
ly enjoyed her recovery. Our armed force was obliged to 
retreat, but your patriotic hearts stood unshaken ; and while, 
either at that period, or in our better hours, my obligations 
to you are numberless, I am happy in this opportunity to ob- 
serve, that the excellent services of your militia were con- 
tinued with unparalleled steadiness. Impressed with the ne- 
cessity of federal union, I was the more pleased in the com- 
mand of an army so peculiarly federal, as Virginia herself 
freely bled in defence of her sister states. — In my wishes to 
this commonwealth, gentlemen, I will persevere with the 
same zeal, that, once and for ever, has devoted me to her. 
May her fertile soil rapidly increase her wealth — may all the 
waters, which so luxuriantly flow within her limits, be happy 
channels of the most extensive trade — and may she in her 
wisdom, and the enjoyment of prosperity, continue to give 
the world unquestionable proofs of her philanthropy, and 
her regard for the liberties of all mankind." 

Washington and Lafayette now returned together to Mount 
Vernon ; and, for some time, they were fully occupied in 
honouring with their presence, the entertainments given by 
the citizens of Alexandria and Annapolis. The house of as- 
sembly, of Maryland, which met in the latter city, hastened 
to testify their high respect and gratitude toward such illus- 
trious individuals, by an eloquent address, that flowed direct- 
ly from the heart ; and the splendid festival which followed, 
was rendered yet more interesting, by the presence of Henry 
Laurens, formerly president of congress. 

At Annapolis, Lafayette received the last embraces and 
paternal benedictions of Washington : and took an affection- 
ate farewell of the numerous friends who had assembled in 
that city. 

After passing through Baltimore and Philadelphia, he ar- 
rived on the eighth of December at Trenton, where congress 
was then sitting, to take leave of that body. The next day 
he received the congratulations, and address, of the le^sla- 



168 HISTORY OP THE 

tare of New-Jersey, who appointed a committee to welcome 
him in the name of the state. On the ninth of December, 
congress, desirous of manifesting, in the strongest manner, 
their esteem and regard for their distinguished guest, 

Resolved, That a committee, to consist of one member 
from each state, be appointed to receive the marquis, and, 
in the name of congress, to take leave of him. That they be 
instructed to assure him, that congress continue to entertain 
the same high sense of his abilities and zeal to promote the 
welfare of America, both here and in Europe, which they 
have frequently expressed and manifested on former occa- 
sions, and which the recent marks of his attention to their 
commercial and other interests, have perfectly confirmed. 
That, as his uniform and unceasing attachment to this coun- 
try has resembled that of a patriotic citizen, the United 
States regard him with particular aifection, and will not 
cease to feel an interest in whatever may concern his ho- 
nour and prosperity ; and that their best and kindest wishes 
will always attend him. 

Resolved, that a letter be written to his most Christian 
majesty, to be signed by his excellency, the president of 
congress, expressive of the high sense which the United 
States, in congress assembled, entertain of the zeal, talents, 
and meritorious services, of the marquis de Lafayette, and 
recommending him to the favour and patronage of his 
majesty. 

On the thirteenth of December, Mr. Jay, chairman of the 
committee thus appointed to receive and take leave of the 
marquis, reported, that on the eleventh instant, they receiv- 
ed him in the congress chamber, and took leave of him ac- 
cording to the instructions which they had received ; — that 
they communicated to him the purport of the resolutions of 
the ninth, — and that he, thereupon, made the following 
answer : 



mar(iuis de lafayette. 169 

Sir, 

While it pleases the United States in congress, so kindly 
to receive me, I want words to express the feelings of a heart 
which delights in their present situation, and the bestowed 
marks of their esteem. 

Since I joined the standard of liberty, to this wished-for 
hour of my personal congratulations, I have seen such glo- 
rious deeds performed, and virtues displayed, by the sons of 
America, that, in the instant of my first concern for them, I 
had anticipated but a part of the love and regard which de- 
vote me to this rising empire. 

During our revolution, sir, I obtained an unlimited, indul- 
gent, confidence, which I am equally happy and proud to 
acknowledge ; it dates with the time, when, an unexperien- 
ced youth, I could only claim my respected friends' pater- 
nal adoption. It has been most benevolently continued 
throughout every circumstance of the cabinet and the field ; 
and, in personal friendships, I have often found a support 
against public difficulties. While, on this solemn occasion, 
I mention my obligations to congress, the states, the people 
at large, permit me also to remember the dear military com- 
panions, to whose services their country is so much indebted. 

Having felt both for the timely aid of my country, and for 
the part she, with a beloved king, acted in the cause of man- 
kind, I enjoy an alliance so well ri vetted by mutual affection, 
by interest, and even local situation. Recollection ensures 
it. Futurity does but enlarge the prospect ; and the private 
intercourse, will, every day, increase, which independent 
and advantageous trade cherishes, in proportion as it is well 
understood. 

In unbounded wishes to America, sir, I am happy *<> ob- 
serve the prevailing disposition of the people to stj^ngthen 
the confederation, preserve public faith, regulate' trade, and, 
in a proper guard over continental magazine and frontier 
posts, in a general system of militia, in foreiseeing attention to 
the navy, to ensure every kind of safety May this immense 
22 



i70 HISTORY OF TH£ 

temple of freedom ever stand a lesson to oppressors, an exam' 
pie to the oppressed, and a sanctuary for the rights of man- 
kind! and may these happy United States attain that com- 
plete splendour and prosperity, which will illustrate the 
blessings of their government, and for ages to come, rejoice 
the departed souls of its founders. 

However unwilling to trespass on your time, I must yet 
present you with grateful thanks for the late favours of con- 
gress, and never can they oblige me so much as when they 
put it in my power, in every part of the world, to the latest 
day of my life, to gratify the attachment which will ever 
rank me among the most zealous and respectful servants of 
the United States. 

Lafayette. 

Lafayette now returned to New-York, where the frigate 
La Nymphe was prepared for his reception, and after remain- 
ing ten days in that city, he embarked at Whitehall, on the 
twenty-fifth of December, 1784, accompanied on board by 
the governor of the state, the officers of the army, the French 
consul, and a number of the citizens, who now reiterated 
their aflfectionate adieus. The flag of the United States 
waved over the forts on the battery, which saluted him with 
thirteen guns : and the frigate returned the same number, the 
moment he stepped on board. 

Such was the closing scene of a visit, as novel, as it proved 
pregnant in instructive truths, and as honourable to the two 
nations of France and America, as it was to the marquis de 
Lafayette. 

We have already mentioned th^t George Washington 
Greene, the eldest son of general Greene, accompanied him 
to Pi^nce, and pursued his education under the marquis' 
care, unVJ the revolution broke out in that country. — La 
fayette also "ook with him a young' Indian, named Otsiguette. 
prince, and htlr-apparent, of the Oneidas, a nation well 
known for their persevering attachment • to the American 



iMAR<iUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 171 

cause. At this period, he was wholly in a rude and uncul- 
tivated state : but, after some years instruction in France, 
his proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the French 
and English languages, and in other acquirements, promised 
much usefulness to his nation. But, after his return in the 
summer of 1788, he soon became dissipated, and more savage 
than ever, and died in a short time. 

Many of the states enacted laws to naturalize the marquis 
de Lafayette and his male descendants. In the year 1784, 
November session, the legislature of Maryland passed an act 
for that purpose, breathing the warm and strong feelings of 
those who knew him well, and speaking a language to which 
the heart of every American responds in sincere and cheer- 
ful accordance. — Connecticut was the second state in the 
union, that offered, without solicitation, these noble and flat- 
tering privileges to a foreigner. The general assembly of 
Massachusetts also passed a special act of naturalization in 
favour of the marquis and his family : an honour which is 
thus acknowledged by him, in a letter to the late Samuel 
Breck, esquire, of Boston, with whom he enjoyed reciprocal 
and uninterrupted friendship, until the period of his decease : 
" To be naturalized a Massachusetts-man, as well as my pos- 
terity, will be one of the most honourable, and the most 
pleasing circumstances of a life which is for ever devoted to 
love and to serve your country." Virginia, and, it is believ- 
ed, some other states, enacted similar laws, but his unlimited 
zeal for the glory and prosperity of the United States, and 
his ardent aflfection for the people, had long before natural- 
ized him in the heart of every lover of liberty. — During his 
visit, the colleges of Harvard and Princeton conferred on him 
the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws ; and he is also a 
member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the 
American Philosophical Society, and other learned institu- 
tions. 

The resolution of the legislature of Virginia, placing the 
bust of Lafayette in the capitol of that state, has already been 



172 UiSTORV OF TUE 

mentioned. The following is an extract of a letter relatujg 
to that bust, dated seventeenth September, 1786, from Mr. 
Jefferson, minister plenipotentiary of the United States, to 
the Prevot des Marchands, and municipality of Paris : "The 
legislature of Virginia, in grateful acknowledgment of the 
services of major-general the marquis de Lafayette, have re- 
solved to place his bust in the capitol of that state. — Their 
intention of erecting, in the country to which they owe his 
birth, a monument to those virtues which he possesses, and a 
memorial of those sentiments with which he has inspired 
them, have encouraged them to hope that the city of Paris 
will consent to become the depository of a second evidence 
of their gratitude. — Charged by the legislature with the exe- 
cution of the resolution which they have adopted, I have 
the honour to solicit the Prevot des Marchands, and the mu- 
nicipality of Paris, to accept the bust of that brave officer, 
and to place it in a situation where he may ever continue to 
call forth the homage, and attest the admiration and Jove, of 
the allies of France." 

Soon after this letter was received, the baron de Breteuil, 
minister and secretary of state, for the department of Paris, 
informed the Prevot des Marchands and municipality, that 
the king, to whom the proposition had been submitted, ap- 
proved of the erection of the bust by the city. In conse- 
quence of this permission, the corporation met on the twen- 
ty-eighth of September, 1786, and Mr. Short, formerly a 
member of the council of Virginia, (Mr. Jefferson being con- 
fined by indisposition to his house,) attended at the Hotel-de- 
Ville, to present to them the bust of the marquis, together 
with a letter from Mr. Jefferson, and a copy of the resolutions 
adopted by the legislature of Virginia. M. le Pelletier de 
Morfontaine, counsellor of state and Prevot des Marchands 
having stated the object of the meeting, the documents rela- 
ting to it were read by M. Veytard, the chief clerk ; after 
which the attorney general, M. Ethit de Corny, a member of 
the American Cincinatti, pronounced a suitable discourse, in 



MARdUlS PE LAFAYETTE. 17$ 

which he depicted, with eloquence and animation, the vari- 
ous services which M. de Lafayette had rendered in North 
America, the confidence reposed in him by the army, and 
the affection of the people toward that celebrated comman- 
der. By virtue of his official station he gave the necessary 
directions for the formal acceptance of the bust, which was 
placed in one of the halls of I'Hotel-de-Ville. — This novel 
and interesting ceremony produced the most delightful im- 
pressions on the minds of the spectators : and a gentleman 
present happily applied to the marquis de Lafayette, the 
words of T a.cityis, fruitur fama* " Frangas non Jlectasf 
would have been equally applicable.! 

We have now detailed the services rendered by Lafayette 
to the United States, the glory which he obtained, and the 
well-merited honours that were bestowed on him by a grate- 
ful people. And, while a sentiment of public virtue contin- 
ues to animate the human mind, the name of LAFAYETTE 
will be enthusiastically venerated as dear to liberty, to true 
glory, honour, and humanity. 

Europe now became the theatre on which the marquis 
de Lafayette continued to devote his time and talents to the 
accomplishment of those objects, which he believed condu- 
cible to the happiness and welfare of his fellow-creatures. 
An indefatigable activity in the cause of all that is great or 
good, united the efforts of Lafayette to those of Malesherbes, 
for the amelioration of the condition of the French protes- 
tants, and he obtained a decree in their favour in the assem- 
bly of the Notables, in 1787. At the same time he espoused 
the interests of the Batavian patriots, and devoted his powers 
and fortune to the gradual emancipation of the blacks. At 
a subsequent period, fifteenth May, 1791, he demanded, and 
obtained, a decree permitting men of colour to the rights of 
citizens. — While the court of Versailles protected the Bar- 

* Mem. Historiques, p.l 14. — 116. 

f This bust was subsequently broken to pieces by the Jacobins or 
their satellites^ but the original could never be made to bend beneath 
oppression or tyranny. 



174 HISTORY OF THE 

tary corsairs, he opposed the measure at home, and assisted 
Jefferson in his league against that piratical band, so long' 
the shame and scourge of Europe. — In this manner did La- 
fayette unite his philanthropic feelings with those which ex- 
isted in various and widely separated countries. It is a re- 
markable circumstance, says Madame De Stael, that through- 
out the world, wherever a certain depth of thought exists, 
there is not to be found an enemy to freedom. From one 
end of the world to the other, the friends of freedom main- 
tain communication by knowledge, as religious men by sen- 
timents ; or rather knowledge and sentiment unite in the 
love of freedom, as in that of the Supreme Being. Is the 
question, the abolition of the slave trade, or the liberty of 
the press, or religious toleration ? — Jefferson thinks as La- 
fayette ; Lafayette, as Wilberforce ; and even they who are 
now no more, unite in the holy league. Is it then from the 
calculations of interest, is it from bad motives, that men so 
superior, in situations and countries so different, should-be 
in such harmony in their political opinions ? Without doubt, 
knowledge is necessary to enable us to soar above prejudi- 
ces ; but it is in the soul also that the principles of liberty 
arc founded ; — they make the heart palpitate like love and 
friendship, — they come from nature, — they ennoble the cha- 
racter. One connected series of virtues and ideas seems to 
form that golden chain described by Homer, which, in bind- 
ing man to Heaven, delivers him from all the fetters of ty- 
ranny.* 

We are now arrived at the commencement of a revolution, 
which, on the one hand, was hailed as the harbinger of uni- 
versal freedom, and called " the most stupendous fabric of 
human wisdom and virtue that ever had been erected," and, 
on the other, was pronounced " the most tremendous chaos 
that ever the united wiles and strength of insanity, backed 
by the profoundest combinations of wickedness, had made 

* De Stael French Revolution, yoL iii. p. 403, 410.— Lady Morg'an's 
France, p. 317. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 175 

oniuman society ;" and, say the advocates of the last opin- 
ion, it was the more destructive, because the men who under- 
took it, if they had not the prudence which knowledge can 
bestow, had all its ingenuity, and employed their vivacity in 
more speedy demolition than ever before was imagined by 
man. — It is not our province, at present, to examine the 
course and conduct of the French revolution, abstracted from 
its connexion with the' life of Lafayette. It is, however, pro- 
per to observe, that the beginning of it bore a character en- 
tirely distinct from that which marked its subsequent frantic 
and sanguinary scenes. At the first period of that extraor- 
dinary event, it was almost universally admired. When the 
Bastile was destroyed, who did not rejoice at the approach- 
ing emancipation of the French ? — In considering the affairs 
of France at that period, we find that four classes of men ex- 
isted in that country. The first grand division was into roy- 
alists and republicans ; the royalists were subdivided into 
those who were advocates for the ancient despotism, and 
those who were the advocates of a limited monarchy : — the 
republicans also were divided into those who wished for a 
popular form of government by a representative assembly, 
and those who, professing democratic principles, established 
the tyranny which for a season prevailed. The latter class, 
deriving all their ideas of government from clubs, soon sunk 
under the furious tyranny of that authority ; and, without mi- 
nutely tracing the progress of the revolution, it is only neces- 
sary to remark, that from it sprung the ruffians who ruled 
over France, and deluged that unfortunate country with 
blood. — In which of these classes or descriptions of men, 
are we to seek for Lafayette ? — Most undoubtedly in that 
which favoured the estabUshment of a limited monarchy, and 
of which he was a distinguished member. — The eminent men 
who exerted themselves in the dawn of the revolution, acted 
from the most pure and patriotic motives : they were alike 
the enemies of anarchy and the friends of rational freedom. 
If their political acts were, in some cases, erroneous, the fault 



176 HISTORY OF THE 

was unintentional ; — if they led to fatal results, it arose not 
from any actual criminality attached to the measures, but 
from the use that was made of them. It may be admitted 
that the first constitution of France was so unskilfully made, 
that it contained principles of self-destruction, and must have 
terminated as it did ; but then it must be observed that those 
who formed it, did it from error of judgment ; — that, among 
them, there were men of the best intentions ; — and that, in 
forming it, they adopted a wise and efficient plan, although 
their country had not the good fortune to make it effective. 
Among the promoters of this scheme, and one of the first in 
the consideration of the constituent assembly, was the mar- 
quis de Lafayette. At that time, his principles and actions 
were consonant with the general feelings of all good men 
who heard of them : but the course which the revolution 
took, when guided by the Jacobin party, and the enormities 
committed under the mask of liberty, soon produced a revo* 
lution in public sentiment. The re-action was as powerful 
as the original excitement, and resulted, as usual, in the for- 
mation of opinions founded in extremes. Every thing that 
sounded like liberty was now reprobated, every thing crimi- 
nal was attributed to it, and every actor in its support de« 
nounced ; — while every thing done by despots was admired 
and extolled, as if kings alone had an exclusive privilege or 
patent, to commit crimes. — Many, influenced by the conse 
quences of the French revolution, viewed with equal enmity 
those men who, from the most laudable motive, joined in the 
measures for obtaining a free constitution for France, and 
those who rendered these measures abortive, by involving the 
country in anarchy, and drenching it in blood. With equal 
discernment might Hampden be confounded with Cromwell, 
or Russell or Sydney with Titus Oates. To charge the dukes 
of Rouchefoucault and Liancourt, Monsieurs de Lally-To- 
lendal, Mounier, Clermont-Tonnerre, Malouet, Lafayette, 
and many others, whose views were to reform the abuses of 
nn arbitrary government, and establish a limited monarchy 



MARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 177 

as in any respect accessary to the bloody scenes which were 
acted in the course of the revolution, is in the highest degree 
absurd. If such reasoning were admitted, Luther would be 
proved to be the author of the massacre of St. Bartholomew ; 
because, unless he had attempted to detect the abuses of po- 
pery, and brought about the reformation, there would have 
been no protestants to massacre.* 

But according to the view given by those who, from po- 
licy or fear, have slandered the character of Lafayette, it 
would appear that he was a prime instigator of, and prin* 
cipal actor in, the worst and most atrocious enormities com- 
mitted during the revolution. It would seem that, almost 
exclusively to him, the French nation owed the origin of 
sansculottes — the prostration of religion — the deification of 
the goddess of Reason — the invention of the guillotine, or 
" national razor" — the monstrous horrors of feux-de-file, 
noyadts, aind fusillades ; of " patriotic curtailing," and " lan- 
terning" — the shouts of Vive la Montague ! Vive la liberie ! 
Vive la nation ! — A la Force ! A 1' Abbaye ! A la mort I — 
the curse of domiciliary visits — the massacres of the Sep- 
tembrisers — the " bonnetsrouges" of the female " furies of the 
guillotine" — the frantic yells of the regicides, and mangling 
butchers of madame de Lamballe, the bands of Sangui7iocrats 
and Montagnards ; — and, in a word, all those many and va- 
ried horrors which attended the French revolution, and 
which seemed to be a summary of all that had ever before 
taken place in the world. But what is the fact ? While these 
atrocities were committed, Lafayette was immured in the 
dungeons of a despot, for having dared to endeavour to stem 
the torrent of Jacobinical fury, and prevent the perpetration 
of crimes at which human nature revolts : in flying from the 
fury of self-created tyrants, he fell into the power of legal, 
but not more merciful, despots. We are prepared not only 
to show that he had necessarily no agency, direct or indirect, 

* Moore's View of France, vol. i. 288, 9.— Parliament. Chron. vol. 
ix. 643, 668. — ^Quarterly Review, vol. xxviii. 273, 5. 
23 



IT'S' HISTORY OP THE 

in crimes committed after the insurrection of the populace 
on the twentieth of June, 1792, but that he uniformly used 
every exertion, and even risked his life, in the support of or- 
der and law, previous to that period. On the nineteenth 
of August, 1792, Lafayette was compelled to abandon an un- 
grateful country, in order to save himself from the extermi- 
nating fangs of the Jacobins. The insurrection of the tenth 
of August, accompanied by a forcible entrance into the 
Tuileries, the massacre of the king's guards, and the suspen- 
sion of his power, although it took place previous to the ac- 
tual retirement of Fayette from the French territory, was 
totally unknown to, and unsuspected by him, distant as he 
then was from the capital. The massacres of September, the 
formal abolishment of royalty, the execution of the royal 
family, and the long train of judicial murders and monstrous 
barbarities, committed during the reign of terror, and the 
complete ascendancy of the Jacobins, all took place subse- 
quent to his emigration ; and were not less odious to him 
than to every real friend of virtue and humanity. If we fol- 
low him in every step he took, from the commencement of 
the revolution down to the moment that he withdrew himself 
from the Jacobin club, whom he detested for their popular 
excesses, and their usurpation of power, we should find in 
him a steady friend to peace, to order, general tranquillity, 
and happiness ; a supporter of the existing law ; a fixed foe 
to anarchy and confusion. We venture to challenge the 
strictest scrutiny into his conduct during the whole of these 
trying scenes, in which he was engaged in common with every 
other Frenchman ; and we are confident that he would be 
uniformly and constantly found to have been the undeviating 
friend of the law, as established, and the promoter of the 
peace and happiness of his countrymen.* 

A variety of causes conspired to shake the foundation of a 
throne ^jpheld by the veneration of fourteen centuries, and 
to threateia the downfall of a prince, the successor of sixty 

* Parliament Chron. vol. ix. 643, 644 



MARftUlS DE LAPAYETTJe. 179 

eight kings. The grand primary and pre-disposing cause of 
the revolution, originated in the disorganization of the finan- 
ces, which excited the clamours of the people ; — the spirited 
and eloquent protests of the parliaments, the impotent ven- 
geance of the prince, and finally, an appeal to the states-gen- 
eral, awakened the multitude from their lethargy, and pre- 
pared the catastrophe that so speedily ensued Besides these 
excitements, the liberties and prosperity of England, which 
flourished under its free constitution, could not be contem- 
plated without producing a powerful effect. From various 
causes, the great body of the army, hitherto the bulwark of 
the monarchy and the scourge of the people, participated 
also, in some measure, in the general disaffection. The 
French soldiery were soon taught that they had hitherto mis- 
taken the object of their glory : they learned to distinguish 
between the monarch and the monarchy ; they were im- 
pressed with the great and important lesson, — that allegiance 
and protection are reciprocal duties, and that true patriotism 
consists in serving oui' country alone.* 

" The revolution," madame de Stael remarks, " must be 
attributed to every thing, and to nothing ; every year of the 
century led to it by every path. ' It is not our duty to 
tread them. — The American revolution was, without doubt, 
accessary to that which occurred in France. It is difficult 
to suppose that so many thousand officers and soldiers had 
visited and fought in behalf of the rights of America, with- 
out being imbued with something of a kindred spirit. There, 
they beheld a new and happy nation, among whom the pride 
of birth and the distinctions of rank, were alike unknown ; 
there they, for the first time, saw virtue and talents and cour- 
age, rewarded ; there they viewed, with surprise, a sovereign 
people fighting, not for a master, but themselves, and ha- 
ranguing, deliberating, dispensing justice, and administering 
the laws, by representatives of their own free choice. On 
their return, the contrast was odious and intolerable ; — they 

* Wars of the French Rev. vol. i. Tntrod. sect. 5. 



180 HISTORY OF THE 

beheld family preferred to merit, influence to justice, wealth 
to worth ; they began to examine into a constitution in which 
the monarch, whom they were now accustomed to consider 
as only the first magistrate, was every thing, and the people, 
the fountain of all power, merely cj'phers ; and they may 
well be supposed to have wished, and even languished for a 
change.* 

In fine, the people being left entirely destitute of redress 
or protection, the royal authority paramount and unbounded ; 
the laws venal ; the peasantry oppressed ; agriculture in a 
languishing state, commerce considered as degrading ; the 
public revenues farmed out to greedy financiers ; the public 
money consumed by a court wallowing in luxury ; and every 
institution at variance with justice, policy, and reason ; — a 
change became inevitable in the ordinary course of human 
events ; and, like all sudden alterations in corrupt states, 
was accompanied with temporary evils and crimes, that made 
many good men look back on the ancient despotism with a 
sigh. But, at this period, the cry of liberty resounded in 
every direction from Paris, the city where the revolution was 
engendered, to the Alps, the Pyrennees the plains of Flan- 
ders, the borders of the Channel, and the shores of the Medi- 
terranean and the Atlantic! 

The heroic Lafayette could not fail to attract the atten- 
tion of his countrymen at this important period ; — a period 
pregnant too with men of extraordinary parts. Yet vast as 
was the genius of many of those who stept forth to regene- 
rate the ill-fated land, and actuated, as they were, by motives 
and systems of the most opposite kind, they all united in 
fixing tlie marquis in the foremost rank. Actuated exclu- 
sively by the love of his country, his motives have, however, 
been alike calumniated by the emigrants and the Jacobins ; 
to whose selfishness and personality, his example and his in- 
fluence were equally opposed : and, while the family of Louis 
XVI. rejected his proffered assistance, in distrust of his ex- 

* Wars French Rev. vol. i. Introd. xlii. 
T Wars French Rev. vol. i. Introd. lir. 



MARQ,UIS DE LAFAVETTE. 181 

ertions in the cause of freedom, he was already marked out 
for destruction by the clubs, for his strenuous attachment to 
constitutional monarchy. The spirit by which he was go- 
verned, cannot be better displayed, than in his reply to the 
eager enthusiasm of the mob, when, in the day of his bright- 
est popularity, the ever-memorable fourteenth of July, he 
exclaimed to those who pressed around him, " Aimez les 
amis du peuple, mais reservez I'aveugle soumission pour la 
loi, et I' enthousiasme pour la liberie." (Love the friends of 
the people, but remember submission to the laws, and enthu- 
siasm for liberty.) When the march of the revolution was 
interrupted, and its objects frustrated, by the intrigues of fac- 
tion and the fury of democracy, Lafayette opposed himself 
steadily to the colossal and disorganizing power of the Jaco- 
bins : •' Que le regne des clubs," he exclaimed, "aneanti par 
vous, fasse place au regne de la loi." (May the reign of the 
clubs, annihilated by you, give place to the reign of the law.)* 
The minister, De Calonne, fully sensible that the finances 
of the kingdom could never be placed on a solid basis, but 
by the reformation of what was vicious in the constitution of 
the state, was at the same time convinced that something 
more was necessary to give weight to this reform, than the 
royal authority. He perceived that the parliament was 
neither a fit instrument for introducing a new order into 
public affairs, nor would submit to be the passive machine 
for sanctioning the plans of a minister, even if those plans 
were the emanation of perfect wisdom. An assembly more 
dignified and solemn in its character, and which should con- 
sist, in a greater degree, of members from the different pro- 
vinces of the kingdom, was necessary to give force and effi- 
cacy to his proceedings. The true and legitimate assembly 
of the nation, the states-general, had not met since the year 
1614 ; and was, moreover, a meeting which a despotic sove- 
reign could not but regard with apprehension. Another as- 
sembly bad been occasionally substituted instead of the states- 

* Lady Morgan's Fraace, p. 317 — Port Folio, vol. six. p. 504. 5. 



182 HISTORY OF THE 

general ; and as it consisted of a number of persons from all 
parts of the realm, chiefly selected from the higher orders, 
and nominated by the king himself, it had been dignified by 
the title of the notables. This assembly had been convened 
by Henry IV, and again by Lewis XIII, and was now once 
more assembled by the authority of Lewis XVI. The pro- 
clamation for assembling the notables, who consisted of one 
hundred and four members, was issued on the twenty-ninth 
of December, 1786, and that body first met on the twenty- 
second of February, 1 787, when M. de Calonne submitted his 
long expected plan of reform. 

The notables were divided into seven different bureaux, 
or sections, over each of which a prince of the blood pre- 
sided. Every question was to be decided by the majority of 
the sections ; and thus the minister contrived that forty-four 
suflTrages should constitute a majority of the whole ; which, 
by a skilful disposal of his creatures, he reasonably expected 
to secure. But all his precautions were in vain; it was im- 
possible to conceal the monstrous deficit of one hundred and 
ten millions of hvres.* 

Lafayette was a member of the opposition party. The 
law prescribed a certain age for the admission of members, 
but he was elected and admitted, although some months 
younger than the requisite time, the law being suspended in 
his favour. In this assembly, he appealed against the mighty 
mass of abuses in the criminal jurisprudence of the state ; 
but they were not efiectually attacked until the meeting of 
the constituent assembly. He was the first to raise his voice 
for the suppression of state-prisons, and httres-de-cachet, 
which were described as being the common instruments of 
concealed views, and private revenge ; the monarchy was 
stated to be degenerated into actual despotism, through the 
nefarious abuse of the king's authority by ministers in the 
application of those lettres ; and it was boldly asserted, that 
no Frenchman had any security for his liberty, while httrcs- 

* GifFord's History France, 4to, vol iii, 532. 



MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 183 

de-cachet were permitted to have the effect of laws, and were 
considered as necessary and essential parts of government. — 
Lafayette also supported the cause of the protestants, par- 
ticularly in a memorial presented to the king during the ses- 
sion of the notables in 1787, which led, in a great measure, 
to the edict in their favour introduced on the nineteenth of 
November, 1787, and registered by the parliament on the 
twenty-ninth of January, 1788. " A portion of our citizens," 
said M. de Lafayette, " who unfortunately do not profess the 
catholic religion, find themselves condemned to a kind of ci- 
vil death. The bureau is too well acquainted with the heart 
of his majesty not to be convinced that his majesty, (wishing 
to extend the love of religion among all his subjects, of whom 
he is the common father, and knowing that truth will support 
itself, while error alone requires constraint,) unites the be- 
nevolent spirit of tolerance to the other virtues which have 
attracted the love of the nation. The bureau, therefore, 
hastens to present to his majesty its earnest solicitations, 
that that numerous portion of his subjects may no longer be 
suffered to groan under a system of proscription, equally op- 
posed to the general interests of religion, to national indus- 
try, population, and all the principles of policy and morality." 
As a powerful opponent of the plans of the minister, he de- 
manded a reform in the government, and supported his opi- 
nions by four memorials, which particularly embraced the 
miserable state of the finances, and the absolute necessity of 
introducing a more efficacious system of finance, and which 
he submitted to the bureau, or section, over which M. le 
Compte D'Artois presided. Much excitement was occasioned 
by the demands of Lafayette relating to the public economy, 
and the count D'Artois particularly expressed his disappro- 
bation of the course pursued by the marquis. The king ha- 
ving objected to the memorials which, at various stages of 
their deliberations, had been transmitted to him by the no- 
tables, because they wanted the signatures of the memorial- 
ists, M. de Lafayette, whose patriotism was as active and 



184 HISTORY OF THE 

pure as his courage and abilities had been useful to America, 
requested permission to read another memorial signed by 
himself, at the same time, praying M. the count D'Artois to 
present it to his majesty, as coming from him alone. The 
bureau unanimously agreed to hear the memorial, but before 
it could be read, Lafayette found himself placed in a very 
delicate situation. The count D'Artois declared that, in the 
very first phrase, it appeared to him, to be too personal and 
emphatic. Under these circumstances, it required more 
than ordinary presence of mind, united with the most disin- 
terested patriotism, not to be confused or intimidated. M. 
de Lafayette betrayed no symptoms of fear, but frankly re- 
plied to his royal highness, that he possessed by birth the right 
of laying his representations at the foot of the throne. He 
was promptly supported by M. de Castillon, who addressed 
Lafayette nearly in the following terms : " I undertake to as- 
sure you, in the name of the notables of this bureau, what 
none will, I believe, disavow, that your appeal is just ; — that 
we all consider it our dijty zealously to support it ; — and that 
this bureau will unite with you in obtaining a redress of the 
grievances of which you complain " Another of the mem- 
bers highly excited by his enthusiasm, exclaimed to Lafay- 
ette, " Your exploits in America have already exalted you 
to the rank of heroes ; but it is especially at this time that 
you merit that glorious title." — M. de Lafayette interrupted 
these flattering remarks, and addressed himself to the presi- 
dent, the count D'Artois, in energetic language, condemning 
the monstrous system of stock-jobbing that had been so fa 
tally practised ; proposing a close and general examination 
into the royal receipts and expenditures ; and exhibiting the 
disorder of the finances, and wanton waste of the public re 
venue. " I repeat," he concluded, "with renewed confidence, 
the remark, that the millions which are dissipated, are collect 
ed by taxation, and that taxation can only be justified by the 
real wants of the state ; — that the millions abandoned to pe- 
culation or avarice, are the fruits of the labour, the tears, and 



MAItaUIS DE LAFAYETTE. lb)5 

perhcips the blood, of the people; and that the computation 
of unfortunate individuals, which has been made for the pur- 
pose of realizing sums so heedlessly squandered, affords a 
frightful subject of consideration for the justice and goodness 
which, we feel convinced, are the natural sentiments of his 
majesty."* 

During the second session of the notables, who met on the 
sixth of November, 1787, he proposed, and ably advocated, 
the convocation of the states-general. " Quoi !" said the ti- 
mid courtier, the count D'Artois, " vousfaites la motion des 
etats-generaux ?" " Et meme mieux que cela !" (What ! — you 
make the motion of the states-general ! — And better even 
than that,) replied Lafayette. — At the earnest entreaty of the 
new minister of finances, (M. Necker,) the king reluctantly 
consented to the convocation of the states-general, whose 
powers and popularity would overshadow his authority, and 
whose jurisdiction would confine within narrow limits, the 
ample prerogative he had inherited from his predecessors. 
The meeting of that celebrated assembly was at length fixed 
for the first of May, 1 789. The whole nation appeared to be 
electrified by the event : popular meetings were held, and 
addresses presented ; and the principles of liberty victo- 
riously diffused themselves through every part of the king- 
dom. The attention of all Europe was fixed on this great 
meeting, and the fifth of May, 1789, on which it actually 
occurred, after a lapse of one hundred and seventy -five years, 
will be long memorable in the annals of France : and it was, 
indeed, a day of festivity to the whole nation. 

Lafayette was chosen deputy to the states-general, without 
opposition, by the nobility of Auvergne, and he took his 
seat in that body supported by public opinion. The states- 
general were composed of three different bodies ; — the no- 
bility, the clergy, and the tiers-etats, or commons. During 
the contests which occurred with respect to the mode of vo- 

•■'^ Port Folio, vol xix. 605. — AnaualReg. xxxi.p. 4, 6 — Mem. His- 
toriq. p. 133 — 151- 

24 



186 HISTORY OF THE 

ting by orders, or by poll, a question which soon invoiverf 
the national representatives in faction and dispute, Lafayette 
held himself in reserve, and, although he fully united with 
the unanimous voice of the three orders in favour of a con- 
stitution, liberty, the assumption of natural rights, and the 
protection pf the public treasure, and afterwards placed him- 
self in the first rank in constitutional enterprises, he did not 
then speak on the occasion. 

After a long contest relative to the mode of voting, and 
after the states-general, at the termination of five weeks, 
found themselves in the same inactive state as at first, the 
tiers-etats, or commons, resolved to emerge from this crimi- 
nal inactivity ; to make a last effort for a union of the orders ; 
and, should that fail, to form themselves into an active assem- 
bly for the despatch of business. On the thirteenth of June, 
they accordingly proceeded to the call of the deputies, inclu- 
ding those of the privileged classes. Not one of the nobili- 
ty appeared, and but three of the clergy : the latter were, 
the next day, followed by five more of their brethren. At 
length the deputies of the people, finding themselves support- 
ed by the public opinion, proceeded, on the seventeenth of 
June, 1789, to the daring step of assuming to themselves the 
legislative government; and, on that memorable day, they 
announced themselves to the public by the since celebrated 
denomination of the national assembly* 

We must now confine ourselves to those parts of the his- 
tory of the French revolution, in which the marquis de La- 
fayette was a principal or conspicuous actor. 

The sitting of eleventh July, 1789, drew the public atten- 
tion still more particularly towards Lafayette, and from that 
day, may be dated the immense power which he acquired. 
It was. on that day, that he addressed the constituent assem- 
bly, and proposed a declaration of rights, nearly similar to 
that which the Americans placed at the head of their consti- 
fution, after conquering their independence. The English, 

* Hist Revol. in France, vol. i. p. o6, 7 



MARftUIS DE LAFAtETTE. 187 

likewise, after excluding the Stewarts, and calling William 
III. to the crown, made him sign a bill of rights, on which 
their present constitution is founded. But the American bill 
of rights being intended for a people where there were no 
re-existing privileges to impede the pure operation of rea- 
son, there was a propriety in prefixing a declaration of the 
universal principles of political liberty and equality, alto- 
gether in conformity with the state of knowledge already 
diffused among them. In England, the bill of rights did not 
proceed on general ideas ; it confirmed existing laws and in- 
stitutions. — The French declaration of rights of 1789, con- 
tained the best part of those of England and America ; but 
it would have, perhaps, been better to have confined it, on 
the one hand, to what was indisputable, and, on the other, 
to what would not have admitted of any dangerous inter- 
pretation. There can be no doubt, says Madame De Stael, 
that distinctions in society can have no other object than the 
general good ; that all political power takes its rise from the 
interest of the people ; and that men are born and remain 
free and equal in the eye of the law ; — ^but there is ample 
space for sophistry in so wide a field, while nothing is more 
clear or undoubted than the application of these truths to 
individual liberty, the establishment of juries, the freedom 
of the press, popular elections, the division of the legislative 
power, the sanctioning of taxes, &c. &;c.* 

The three different plans of a declaration of rights, which 
principally engaged the attention of the assembly, were sub- 
mitted by Lafayette, Mounier, and the Abbe Sieyes. Mounier 
was a literary man, and of great abilities, and his project was 
preferred ; but, in fact, it was very little different from that 
first offered by Fayette ; all the originality of it was due to 
his first speech on that subject. In its clearness and simpli- 
city the scheme of Lafayette greatly resembled the celebra- 
ted American declaration. In offering it to the consideration 
of the assembly, he made the following memorable discourse : 

* Consider. French Rev. vol. i. chap, iii, p. 273, 



188 HISTORY OP THE 

" Although my powers have taken from me the right of vo<. 
ting among you, I ought nevertheless to offer to you my 
opinion. The labour of making a declaration of rights has 
been presented to you, as a primary object, — a declaration 
which is undoubtedly indispensable. It is not founded on 
ideas merely metaphysical, but on the very basis of society. 
It is necessary to recognise the rights which are engraven on 
every heart. — Yet, it appears to me, that this declaration 
ought to be restricted to the rights of man, and of man liv- 
ing in society. — I will have the honour of submitting to you 
the first model of this work ; but I am far from demanding 
its adoption : I merely request that copies of it may be cir- 
culated among the different bureaux." He then proceeded 
to establish two practical advantages which would result 
from a declaration of rights. The first was to call forth the 
sentiments which nature had stamped on the heart of every 
man, but which receive new force when they are recognised 
by all ; and this development, he maintained, was so much 
the more interesting, as a nation, to love liberty, only requi- 
red a knowledge of it ; "to be free," said he, " they have 
only to desire it." — The second advantage anticipated, was 
to unfold and declare those truths from which every institu- 
tion ought to emanate, and to become, in the labours of the 
national representatives, a faithful guide which would stead- 
fastly direct their attention toward the true source of natu- 
ral and social right. — He insisted that the principal merits of 
a declaration of rights consisted in truth and precision ; that 
it ought to declare what all the world knew, and felt ; and 
that that opinion alone had induced him to sketch the digest 
which he was now about to submit for their consideration, 
in the hope that it might lead other members to produce bet- 
ter plans, to which he would willingly give his support. — 
M. de Lally Tolendal then rose in support of the motion, 
and observed, " All the principles which it contains are sa- 
cred,— its sentiments noble and sublime ; and the author of 
it now speaks as eloquently of liberty, as he has gallantly de- 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 189 

fended it." — The following project of Lafayette, was then 
read: 

" Nature has made all men free and equal : the distinctions 
which are necessary for social order are founded alone on 
public good. 

'• Man is born with inalienable and imprescriptible rights ; 
such as the unshackled liberty of opinion, the care of his ho- 
nour and life, the right of property, the complete control 
over his person, his industry, and all his faculties : the free 
expression of his opinion in every possible manner ; the wor- 
ship of the Almighty ; and resistance against oppression. 

" The exercise of natural rights has no other limits than 
those which are necessary to secure their enjoyments to every 
member of society. 

" No man can be submitted to laws which he has not sanc- 
tioned, either himself, or through his representatives, and 
which have not been properly promulgated and legally ex- 
ecuted. 

" The principle of all sovereignty rests in the people. No 
body, nor individual, can possess any authority which does 
not expressly emanate from the nation. 

" The sole end of all government is the public good. That 
good demands that the legislative, executive, and judicial, 
powers, should be distinct and defined ; and that their orga- 
nization should secure the free representation of the citizens, 
the responsibility of their deputies, and the impartiality of 
the judges. 

" The laws ought to he clear, precise, and uniform in their 
operation, toward every class of citizens. 

" Subsidies ought to be liberally granted ; and the taxes 
proportionally distributed. 

" And, as the introduction of abuses, and the rights of suc- 
ceeding generations, will require the revisions of all human 
institutions, the nation ought to possess the power, in certain 
cases, to summon an extraordinary assembly of deputies, 



190 HISTORY OF THE 

whose sole object shall be to examine, and correct, if it he 
necessary, the faults of the constitution,"* 

Such was the foundation on which the celebrated decla- 
ration of rights, passed in the month of August, 1789, was 
formed. In the course of the long debate which it occasion- 
ed, M. de Lafayette pronounced that far-famed sentence, 
which has been so often repeated, and so variously expound- 
ed, — " Insurrection is the most holy of duties." — It might have 
been expected that Lafayette would be considered criminal, 
for wishing to establish not only the freedom of his own 
country, but universal liberty, by the enemies of all revolu- 
tions, and by all those who love better quietum servitium 
quam periculosam lihertatem ; — it might have been especially 
expected, that foreign governments, which consider their sub- 
jects as the property of their family, or of their particular or- 
der, would have distorted the application of this maxim to 
all cases, instead of restricting it to opposition against unjust 
oppression ; — but that rational and sensible men should, in 
order to render the expression reprehensible, have en- 
deavoured to generalise it, is truly in itself a most unjust, il- 
liberal, and oppressive act. It is a reproach which ought 
never to have been uttered in any other place than at the 
portals of the prison of Olmutz.t — The sentiments of Lafay- 
ette on this subject, are, in fact, as universal as liberty ; be- 
cause where they are not cherished, liberty cannot exist. It 
was especially in Great Britain that this axiom was subject- 
ed to the vilest opprobrium ; and the political writers of that 
country continue, in the face of justice and honour, to hold 
it up in its distorted features, as a lasting blemish upon the 
character of Lafayette.| What opinion, then, ought such 
men to form of their own parliamentary representatives who 
did not pretend to oppose or deny the same axiom, still more 
emphatically pronounced by Mr. Courtney in the house of 

*Memoires Historiqnes, p. 168—173. f Toulong. Hist, de France, 
tome i. Pieces Justicatives, page 140- \ Vide Quart. Rev. vol. xxviii- 
p. W3, &c. 



MAR<IUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 191 

commons 1* He justly and eloquently declared, that he con- 
sidered democratic insurrections as useful ; that they could 
last but a short time, and, like hurricanes and thunder-storms, 
they cleared the stagnant atmosphere. " I would rather," 
he exclaimed, " be tossed about in the wildest blasts and 
tempests of democracy, than breathe for an hour the still 
and pestilential breath of despotism." — Happily for the uni- 
versal cause of liberty, there is now scarcely a bosom that 
does not respond to these sentiments, from our inland oceans, 
to the southern verge of America : — and a whole hemisphere 
is ready to exclaim, in the words, and according to the mean- 
ing of Lafayette, that Insurrection is the most holy of duties. 
At this period, the court was making mihtary preparations 
which seemed to announce the intention of dissolving the 
assembly by force. Orders had been, for some time, issued 
to collect a large body of troops ; and as the French soldiery 
could not now be depended on, foreigners were preferred to 
the national regiments. Thirty-five thousand men were al- 
ready cantoned in the neighbourhood of the capital, and 
twenty-thousand more were expected. These, connected 
with other formidable preparations, produced a general agi- 
tation among the citizens of Paris, and excited them to com- 
mit many outrages. Lafayette now zealously supported the 
motion of Mirabeau for the removal of the troops, and, on the 
tenth of July, an address to that effect was presented to the 
king. On the fifteenth, the sovereign appeared in the assem- 
bly, and announced that the troops were ordered back : this 
was the beginning of the emigration. In the course of these 
proceedings, Lafayette demanded an immediate declaration 
o( the responsibility of ministers, and the recall of M. 
Necker ; and the assembly accordingly resolved unanimous- 
ly ; "That M. Necker, and the rest of the late ministry, car- 
ried with them the confidence and the regret of the assem- 
bly ; that they would not cease to insist on the removal of 
the troops ; that no intermediate power can exist between 

* Parliamentary Chronicle, vol. ix. p. 668. March 17, 1794. 



i92 HISTORY OF THE 

the king and the representatives of the nation ; that the mi- 
nisters and agents of authority, civil and military, are respon- 
sible to the people for their conduct ; that the present mi- 
nisters and counsellors of his majesty were personally re- 
sponsible for the impending calamities, and all those which 
might be the consequences of their advice ; that the assem- 
bly having placed the public debts under the safeguard of 
the honour and loyalty of the French nation, no power has 
a right even to pronounce the word bankruptcy ; that they 
persisted in all their former decrees ; and that these minuter 
should be presented to the king, and the late ministry, ant 
committed to the press. 

From the twelfth to the fifteenth of July, Paris had been 
the unhappy scene of commotion, of terror, and of bloodshed. 
The revolution which occurred at this time, was professedly 
occasioned by the dismissal of M. Necker. The fourteenth 
of July, although marked by assassinations on the part of the 
populace, was yet a day of grandeur : the movement was 
national ; no faction, either foreign or domestic, would have 
been able to excite such enthusiasm. All France participa- 
ted in the feelings which, on that day, caused the destruction 
of the bastile ; and the emotion of a whole people is always 
connected with true and natural feeling. The most honour- 
able names, Lafayette, Bailly, Lally, were elevated by pub- 
lic opinion ; — the silence of a country, governed by a court, 
was exchanged for the sound of the spontaneous acclamations 
of all the citizens. The minds of the people were exalted ; 
but, as yet, there was nothing but purity in their souls ; and 
the conquerors had not yet had time to contract those haughty 
passions from which the strongest party in France is scarce- 
ly ever able to preserve itself* 

The enthusiasm and the fury of the people were so great, 
that the bastile, the citadel of Paris, with its seemingly im- 
passable ditches, and its inaccessible towers and ramparts, 
covered with a powerful artillery, was in a short time car- 

* De Stael, French Revolution, vol. i. p. 239. 



MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 193 

ried by storm. Thus fell, in less than four hours, a castle, 
which had menaced France for nearly as many ages ; and 
which an army, commanded by the great Conde, had former- 
ly besieged, in vain, during three-and-twenty days. — The de- 
molition of this famous fortress was the epocha from which 
the partisans of French liberty dated their regeneration. — 
Lafayette largely contributed to the fall of that celebrated 
engine of tyrannical power. During the laborious sessions 
of the national assembly which succeeded the disgrace of 
M. Necker, it was thought that the age and infirmities of the 
president, the venerable archbishop of Vienne, would scarce- 
ly allow him to exercise so difficult an office without the as- 
sistance of a younger person ; and the marquis de Lafayette 
was, therefore, unanimously nominated vice-president. In 
this capacity he presided over the sittings of the assembly 
on the nights of the thirteenth and fourteenth of July. — All 
lovers of rational freedom, of all nations, rejoiced in the de- 
struction of the bastile, if they condemned the atrocities 
which, in a moment of frenzy, were committed by the popu- 
lace, and which Lafayette did all he could to prevent. The 
key of the building was afterwards sent by him, as a present, 
and a pledge of his unshaken principles, to general Washing- 
ton ; and it is now preserved, in a glass case, in the hall of 
Mount Vernon. In testimony of his services on the occasion, 
the contractor who had undertaken to tear down the bastile, 
presented to him the first stone that was removed ; and not 
long after, while Lafayette was conducting general Paoli over 
its ruins, he received from the same hands, the last stone of 
its dungeons.* 

The appearance of the monarch in the assembly, on the 
fifteenth of July, his affectionate and concihatory address, 
his grief at the disturbances which had occurred in the ca- 
pital, his disavowal of any meditated attack on the persons ol 
the deputies, and his orders for the immediate removal of the 

■^ Mem. Hist p. 263— De Stael, French Rev. i. p. 236- Port Folio, 
vol. xix. p. 505 — Hist French Rev. i. p- 74. 
25 



194 HISTORY OF THE 

troops from the vicinity of the metropoHs, produced the hap- 
piest results. An expressive silence first pervaded the assem- 
bly, which was soon succeeded by a burst of applause and 
acclamation. These feelings became general throughout 
Versailles, and the people flocked around the palace with 
shouts of loyalty and exclamations of joy. The assembly 
immediately appointed a deputation to convey the happy in- 
telligence which they had received to the metropolis. An 
interesting spectacle now presented itself to the citizens of 
Paris. The deputation, consisting of eighty-four of the most 
distinguished members of the assembly, with Lafayette at 
their head, approached with the evidences of the sovereign's 
love toward the people, accompanied by an immense crowd, 
who covered the road from Versailles to the capital, and 
loaded them with blessings, and the most unequivocal proofs 
of affection. On their arrival at the Hotel-de-Ville, the 
marquis de Lafayette, and other principal members, address- 
ed the people. From this place they adjourned to the 
church of Notre Dame, where Te Deum was sung in cele- 
bration of the happy return of peace* accompanied with li- 
berty. In the evening the deputies returned to Versailles. 

A further distinction now awaited the disciple of Wash- 
ington ; and his services to the state, his disinterested patriot- 
ism, and his abilities, pointed him out to the citizens as the 
only man fit to be entrusted with the important commission 
of general, and commander-in-chief, of the national guard. 
The establishment of a garde nationale was a very great bene- 
fit derived from the constituent assembly ; because no lib- 
erty can exist in that country where arms are borne only by 
soldiers, and not by citizens. The selection of a proper 
commander was at that time of the greatest importance : a 
vast army of citizen soldiers gave to Lafayette their united 
and unsolicited suffrages ; and he was, on the sixteenth of 
July, elevated to a rank, worthy, as M. Rabaut remarks, of 
the friend of Washington, and which finally placed him at 

* Hist. French Rev. i. 85. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 195 

the head of a greater bodj of troops than had ever been 
commanded by one man since the days of Xerxes. To gov- 
ern the enthusiasm that animated this newly emancipated 
people, required a temperate conduct ; a middle line of be- 
haviour, partaking neither of extreme indulgence nor ex- 
treme severity. Lafayette's disposition and experience both 
concurred to make him, under these circumstances, at once 
a popular and efficient leader with the soldiery ; for, when- 
ever he had to do with them alone, he could execute the laws 
and prevent excesses : but he was unable at times, to restrain 
the populace, whose barbarity occasioned disgust and horror. 
He possessed, at the same time, the entire confidence of the 
Parisian guard, and the pubhc esteem, which his high quali- 
ties demanded. The faculty of animating the courage, or 
rather the hearts, of his soldiers, was natural to him. His 
simple, popular, and attractive manners, joined with his 
youthful and animated exterior, to please the multitude. — 
Better calculated to rule over the tumults of factions, than 
govern in the cabinet, he possessed all that was necessary 
for commencing and guiding a revolution ; — the brilliant 
qualities of military activity, and undaunted courage in pub- 
lic commotions. — In the important operation of organising 
the national guard, the plan adopted by him was simple and 
excellent. He apportioned the city of Paris into six dis- 
tricts, and a commandant was created for each. The dis- 
tricts elected their military officers, and the right of electing 
a commander-in-chief was vested in the districts at large. 

On the seventeenth of July, the king, with a degree of 
courage and patriotism which does honour to his character, 
and in spite of the consternation of those who were appre- 
hensive for his safety, and of others who were apprehensive 
of their own, resolved to visit Paris, in order, by his presence, 
to calm the disquietudes of the people. The militia of Ver- 
sailles composed his only guard until the procession arrived 
at the Seve, where they were reUeved by the national guard 
of Paris, with Lafayette at their head. On their arrival at 



196 HISTORY OF THE 

the Hotel-de-Ville, the king solemnly confirmed the clccliuii 
of the marquis de Lafayette to the command of the guards. 
He received, from the hands of the mayor, the national or 
tri-coloured cockade, which had been instituted by Fayette ; 
and when he showed himself to the people, decorated with 
this badge of patriotism, their joy could no longer be restrain- 
ed : — the shouts of Vive le roi ! which had before been scarce- 
ly heard among the cries of Vive la nation ! filled the whole 
atmosphere, and resounded from one extremity of the city ta 
the other.* 

The royal visit to Paris was the signal for the dispersion 
of the ministry. But of all who were connected with the 
court, none was more odious than M. Foulon, who had long 
been hated by the people, for his unfeeling tyranny, and his 
insatiable avarice. By rapacity and extortions, he had risen 
from a very low situation in life, to the acquisition of im- 
mense riches ; and he had boasted " that if ever it should be 
his good fortune to be minister, he would make the people 
live upon hay." He attempted to escape, but was pursued 
and detected by his own vassals, and on the twenty-second 
of July brought back to Paris, with a bundle of hay at his 
back, in allusion to the language which he had employed in 
expressing his contempt for the people. Judges were ap- 
pointed to try this miserable victim, but the impatience of 
the multitude could ill brook the forms of justice ; he was 
forced from the guards ; the cord of a lantern supplied the 
instrument of execution ; his body was dragged through the 
kennels ; and his head, with the mouth full of hay, was car- 
ried through the streets, to the eternal disgrace of the capi- 
tal. — M. Berthier, who had married the daughter of M. Fou- 
lon, was implicated in the fate of his father-in-law. Unhap- 
pily for him, he arrived in Paris the very evening on which 
the mob had imbrued their hands in the blood of his relation ; 
his death was, therefore, inevitable. The head of the unfor- 
tunate Foulon was thrust into his carriage, and he was com* 

* Hist. French Rev. i. 87, 88. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 197 

pelled to salute it. He was at length dragged to the fatal 
lamp-iron, where a cord was already prepared for him ; but 
despair inspired him with courage, and snatching a bayonet 
out of the hands of one of his guards, he attempted to de- 
fend himself, if not from death, at least from ignominy, — and 
fell, pierced with innumerable wounds. His head was alsa 
cut off, and carried about with that of M. Foulon. 

The murder of these two magistrates has formed the basis 
of an accusation against Lafayette as ungenerous, as it is false 
and unjust. He is said not only to have connived at, but 
participated in, the atrocities committed on that occasion ; 
not only to have purposely sent the unfortunate victims to 
prison under a feeble escort, and given orders to that guard 
" to do no violence to the people," but to have been actually 
one of the most sanguinary personal actors in their death and 
mutilation. " Such," says Playfair, " was the commence- 
ment of the reign of liberty and justice ; such was the begin- 
ning of the administration of M. Bailly as mayor, and M. de 
Lafayette as commander ; with such a people, such a mayor, 
and such a commander, it was not to be wondered if the hu- 
man character grew worse, and if peaceable men began to 
wish to be out of the kingdom."* If Lafayette, observes the 
same writer, sanctified insurrection, the people did it every 
justice in the execution. — " Never, never," said Mr. Wind- 
ham, in the house of commons, " shall be forgotten his gross 
and criminal conduct in July, 1789. What figure did he 
make at the head of the national guards, when he allowed 
Berthier to be torn in pieces by the mob, after he had thrown 
himself under his protection ? It might be said that he acted 
under the influence of terror : — but why did he yield to such 
a feeling ? He could not have had a more glorious death than 
if he had fallen on that day." — On the seventeenth of March, 
1794, when general Fitzpatrick submitted to the house of 
commons, a motion in favour of Lafayette, then a prisoner 
in the dungeons of Olmutz, Mr. Burke remarked that " the 

* Hist. Jacob, vol. i. 176. 



198 HISTORY OF THE 

present was the most extraordinary application lie had ever 
heard of: it was made for the author of so many horrors, 
which seemed to be a summary of all that had ever before 
taken place in the world ! — Altera editio multo brevior et 
emendatior. And of ail these horrors," he continued, " there 
was no circumstance of barbarity, (except the murder of 
the king and queen,) more atrocious than the massacre of 
Foulon." This member had even the effrontery to repeat 
the mad expressions of the Abbe Foulon, a son of the mur- 
dered magistrate, — " I'll be revenged of Lafayette ; it was 
he that had my father murdered ; it was he who tore out and 
devoured his heart !" — " I would not," concluded the consist- 
ent statesman, " debauch my humanity in supporting an ap- 
plication like the present, for such a horrid ruffian." — Other 
members supported the groundless assertions of their leaders. 
One of them, (Mr. Jenkinson,) affirmed that he was in Paris 
at the time, when it was generally acknowledged that he 
could, if he pleased, have prevented many of the circumstan- 
ces so much reprobated ; but he was unfortunately followed 
by Mr. Stanley, who observed, that he also was in Paris at 
the time, and must, in justice to the unfortunate Lafayette, 
declare, that he not only did everything in his power to pre- 
vent the circumstances that had happened, but risked also 
his own personal safety.* 

Now, it is abundantly testified, that Lafayette endeavour- 
ed, in vain, to rescue the unfortunate Foulon and Berthier 
from the murderous grasp of the populace. But his autho- 
rity, his entreaties, and his tears, were disregarded ; and the 
laws of the new government, as yet too feeble to restrain 
these atrocities, were unhappily often violated in his pre- 
sence, by the licentious inhabitants of the suburbs. In the 
case of Berthier, it was in vain that M. Bailly, the mayor, 
opposed his utmost eloquence to the fury of the multitude ; 
in vain the commander-in-chief, Lafayette, prostrated him- 
self on his knees to entreat that the popular cause should no 
* Parliamentary Chronicle, is. 663, 667 : xvi. 406- 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 193 

no more be defiled with blood. " Numerous as the escort" 
of the unfortunate man was, they were soon dispersed, and 
he was put to death.* A monster of inhumanity, a dragoon, 
plunged his hand into his reeking entrails, tore out his heart, 
fixed it on the point of his cutlass, and carried it about as a 
trophy. His comrades were so disgusted with his barbarity, 
that they determined to fight him successively, till by his 
death they had removed the dishonour which it fixed upon 
their corps: he fought, and was killed the same evening. — 
This, doubtless, was the ground-work of the fable, taken by 
Mr. Burke from the lips of a mad Abbe. 

It was no crime in M. de Lafayette to be unable to re- 
strain the fury of a Parisian mob ; it was a violent tumult 
which no exertion could avert. Although his authority some- 
times proved inadequate, he let no opportunity pass without 
exerting himself in favour of good order and submission to 
the law, even at the hazard of his own existence. But it is 
necessary, in vindicating the character of Lafayette, to afford 
a true statement of Foulon's case, which the records of the 
national assembly enable us to do. — When M. Foulon was 
brought before the assembly, he was accompanied by the 
mob, who were clamorous for revenge. Several of the mem- 
bers offered, in vain, to deliver themselves up as hostages, 
and be personally responsible, for M. Foulon ; and when all 
means of restraining the impatience and fury of the mul- 
titude had failed, loud shouts and acclamations announced 
the arrival of M. de Lafayette. On his entrance, he placed 
himself by the side of the president, and the late tumult was 
succeeded by the most profound silence. He immediately 
addressed the multitude, and it would be difficult to describe 
the power of his discourse, mingled as it was, with consum- 
mate skill, and the most simple and energetic traits of elo- 
quence. " I am known to you all," said he ; " you have ap- 
pointed me your commander ; a station which while it con- 
fers honour, imposes upon me the duty of speaking to you 

«Hi9t French Rev. 2 vols, io one. Philadelphia, 1794, vol. i. p- 90. 



200 HISTORY OF THE 

with that Uberty and candour which form the basis of my 
character. You wish, without a trial, to put to death the 
man who is before you : such an act of injustice would 
dishonour you ; — it would disgrace me — and, were I weak 
enough to permit it, it would blast all the efforts which 
I have made in favour of liberty. — I will not permit it. 
But I am far from pretending to save him, if he be guil- 
ty : I only desire that the orders of the assembly should be 
carried into execution, and that this man be conducted to 
prison, to be judged by a legal tribunal. I wish the law to 
be respected ; — law, without which there can be no liberty; 
law, withoutwhose aid I would never have contributed to the 
revolution of the new world, and without which I will not 
contribute to the revolution which is preparing here. What 
I advance in favour of the forms of law, ought not to be in- 
terpreted in favour of M. Foulon. I am free from suspicion 
as it regards him ; and perhaps the manner in which, on se- 
veral occasions, I have expressed myself with relation to his 
conduct would alone deprive me of the right of judging. But 
the greater the presumption of his guilt is, the more impor- 
tant is it that the usual formalities should be observed in his 
case : so as to render his punishment more striking, and, by 
legal examinations, to discover his accomplices. I, there- 
fore, command that he be conducted to the prison of 
L'Abbaye St. Germain." 

M. de Lafayette took this popular ground, in urging the 
detention of the criminal, as the only probable means of 
rescuing him from the power of the mob. His discourse 
made a great and favourable impression on those who were 
within the hearing of his voice ; and they assented, by their 
tokens of applause, to his being conducted to prison. But 
this sentiment did not extend to those whose furious cries 
for vengeance sounded from the extremity of the halL The 
unhappy Foulon, whether in testimony of his innocence, or 
by a mechanical movement, clapped his hands in token of 
approbation, at the proposal of imprisonment, A general 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 201 

exclamation was immediately raised, — " They are conniving 
at his guilt ; they wish to save him " — The victim attempted 
to speak, but the following words only could be distinguish- 
ed ; — " Respectable assembly ! Just and generous people ! — 
I am in the midst of my fellow citizens — I fear nothing." — 
These words produced an effect entirely ditTerent from what 
might have been expected. The frenzy of the people re- 
doubled its fury : an individual cried out, " Why should you 
judge a man who has been condemned for thirty years ?" — 
Three different times did Lafayette harangue the people, 
and each time his discourse produced a favourable effect. 
It is impossible now to know what the result would have 
been, when shouts more terrible than had yet been heard, 
arose from the square of the Hotel-de-Ville. At the same 
moment, a number of voices from the extremity of the hall, 
exclaimed, that the populace from the Palais-Royal, and the 
faubourg St. Antoine, had arrived to carry off the prisoner. 
The most horrible cries now resounded through the passages 
of the Hotel-de-Ville : a fresh mob pressed against that which 
already filled the hall ; the whole mass moved together, and 
rushed impetuously toward the chair in which Foulon was 
seated, without regarding the intercessions of Lafayette, who 
continued, in a loud voice, to order him to be conducted to 
prison. — But the miserable man was already in the hands of 
the populace, who conducted him uninjured from the hall : 
a few minutes after, it was announced that the mob had hung 
him to a lamp-iron in front of the Hotel-de-Ville.* 

Is it just to charge Lafayette with this atrocious act, com- 
mitted by an infuriated mob, in the very presence of the 
whole national assembly ? — Certainly not ; — and history owea 
to him this justice, that after the fourteenth of July, when 
the bastile was destroyed, these two murders were the only 
ones, during his command, in which public rage could not 
be suppressed. Many others were personally prevented by 

* Mem. Historiq. p. 184— 9.— Proces- verbal des Seances et Delibera- 
tions de r Assemb. Nat. &c. 
26 



202 HISTORY Of THE 

him, and in this benevolent object he frequently exposed him- 
self to great danger ; for the people could not perceive why 
that which was committed on the fourteenth should not al- 
ways be permitted ; and they considered all those as enemies 
who opposed their will. But Lafayette was too brave, too 
humane, too noble, to think of danger in the performance 6f 
his duty. For example, an instance of his generous intrepi- 
dity occurred on the nineteenth of May, 1 790. On that day 
an unfortunate nian was charged with stealing a sack of oats. 
Some soldiers of the national guard took him immediately 
under their protection, and were conveying him as a pris- 
oner to the Chatelet ; but the populace, wishing to inflict 
summary justice, tore him from the soldiers, and were in the 
act of beating him to death with their clubs, when the mar- 
quis de Lafayette happened to pass by the horrible scene. 
He plunged instantly into the thickest of the mob, and in de- 
spite of their outcries and menaces, seized the person who 
had begun the tumult, and conducted him with his own hands 
to the Chatelet. He next delivered the unfortunate man 
from the mob ; and, exhorting them to disperse, and conduct 
themselves like orderly citizens, had the happiness to see the 
tumult entirely suppressed, and the people return to their 
houses, full of the praises of the man who had so intrepidly 
rescued them from their own frenzy, and prevented their 
contaminating themselves with human blood.* 

In times of peace, we ought to estimate public men ac- 
cording to the good which they do ; but in revolutionary 
storms, we ought also to consider the evil which they pre- 
vent : and certainly, at that period, Lafayette prevented a 
great part, we may almost say all, of the evil that was not 
committed. Moreover, the massacres of Foulon and Ber- 
thier occurred but a few days after his appointment to the 
head of the guards, and before he had, or could have, intro- 
duced a proper system of discipline. — His indignation and 
i^orrow were extreme, at the commission of acts which sul- 

"^ Hist. French Rev. vol. i. p- 137.— Mem- Hist, p- v65, Pref. p. xiv. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 203 

lied the first moments of his command. Filled with horror 
and disgust, and exasperated by this contempt of all autho- 
rity, he determined at once to resign his office of commander- 
in-chief; and this determination he immediately conveyed, 
in the following letter, to M. Bailly, mayor of the city of 
Paris : 

Sir, 

Summoned by the confidence of its citizens to the military 
command of the capital, I have uniformly declared, that in 
the actual state of affairs, it was necessary, to be useful, that 
confidence should be full and universal. I have steadily de- 
clared to the people, that, although devoted to their interest 
to my last breath, yet I was incapable of purchasing their fa- 
vour by unjustly yielding to their wishes. You are aware, 
sir, that one of the individuals who perished yesterday was 
placed under a guard, and that the other was under the 
escort of our troops, both being sentenced by the civil power 
to undergo a regular trial. Such were the proper means to 
satisfy justice, to discover their accomplices, and to fulfil the 
solemn engagements of every citizen toward the national 
assembly and the king. 

The people would not hearken to my advice ; and the 
moment when the confidence which they promised, and re- 
posed in me, is lost, it becomes my duty, as I have before 
stated, to abandon a post in which I can be no longer useful. 
I am, with respect, &:c. &;c. 

Lafayette. 

On the receipt of this intelligence, universal consternation 
reigned in the assembly. The members rose en masse, and 
with M. Moreau de Saint-Mery at their head, proceeded in a 
body to M. de Lafayette. With a disorder which their 
highly excited feelings produced and justified, they surround- 
ed him on all sides, exclaiming with one voice, that the safety 
of the city depended on his preserving the command. — 
Lafayette replied, that the public good itself appeared to 



204 HISTORY OP THE 

demand his retirement ; that the bloody and unlawful acts 
of the preceding day, and his total incompetency to prevent 
them, had too plainly convinced him that he was not the ob- 
ject of universal confidence ; that he did not possess that 
authority which could alone prevent or depress such tumults, 
and which confidence alone could give ; that the flattering 
and afifecting conduct of the electors was well calculated to 
shake his resolution ; and that he would attend at the assem- 
blv, to concert upon the measures best adapted to the exist- 
ing state of affairs, and to the promotion of the public good. — 
He at length yielded to the solicitations of his fellow-citizens, 
and resumed the command, hoping that he might be the 
means, (as he assuredly was,) of preventing still more dread- 
ful disorders.* Indeed, it was not long before this hope was 
realized. On the fifth of August, M. de La Salle, acting un- 
der the orders of Lafayette, was sought for, and threatened 
with instant death, by a mob of forty thousand ruffians, from 
whom he had the good fortune to escape. They were await- 
ing his return from the country at the Hotel-de-Ville, and a 
miscreant had mounted the lamp-post with a new rope in his 
hand, where he remained, while a crew of banditti broke 
into the Hotel-de-Ville, and ascended even into the clock, in 
quest of the marquis de Salle. The coolness and serenity 
of the marquis de Lafayette appeared to increase with the 
tumult and danger. In the mean time, he gave secret or- 
ders, and arranged every thing for the public safety, by the 
agency of a faithful officer. At length, when he was satisfied 
that every thing was right, he suddenly arose, and addressing 
himself to the committee who had sat with him the whole 
evening, he observed, " You are fatigued, gentlemen, and I 
also am fatigued : — let us retire ; — the Greve is completely 
free, and I give you my word that Paris was never in a more 
perfect state of tranquillity." — On looking from the windows, 
nothing was to be seen of the mob who had so lately filled 

* Mem. Hist, p- 194—7 — Hist. French Revolution, p. 92— Annual 
Register, vol xxxi. p- 255.— Not. Biog. p. 8. 



MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 205 

the square ; it was entirely occupied by soldiers of the na- 
tional guard, drawn up in most excellent order, who had 
been gradually introduced by the marquis, and by this means, 
without tumult or trouble, expelled their opponents.* 

On the eighth of September, 1789, Lafayette proposed to 
the meeting of the commune of Paris, to send a deputation 
to the national assembly, then sitting at Versailles, to de- 
mand an immediate reform of the criminal jurisprudence, as 
far, at least, as respected its most prominent abuses ; to re- 
quire that the accused should have the assistance of coun- 
sel ; that the proceedings of the examination should be pub- 
lic ; that the witnesses should be publicly confronted with 
the accused ; and that the documents employed against him 
should be freely communicated.^ — Even this step, although 
urged by all the influence of Lafayette, was not taken with- 
out considerable hesitation, so little was public opinion form- 
ed, at that time, on this important point. It was, however, 
with these advantages that the baron de Bezensal and M. de 
Favras met their trial ; and already were the benefits of the 
change duly appreciated. The fact that, amid all the tu- 
mults and jealousies of a revolution, the only person put to 
death for political offences from this period to the tenth of 
August, 1792, that is to say, before the proscription of the 
author of the fact, will stand as an imperishable monument 
to the memory of Lafayette. — At that time the use of torture 
still subsisted : the king had indeed abolished only the rack 
before trial; but punishments, such as straining on the wheel, 
and torments similar to those which, during three days, were 
inflicted on Damiens, were, in certain cases, still admitted. 
Urged by the influence of Lafayette and his party, the con- 
stituent assembly abolished even the name of these judicial 
barbarities. M. de Lafayette, from the time that he was 
placed at the head of the armed force of Paris, declared to 
the magistrates of that city, that he could not take upon him^ 
self to arrest any one, unless the accused were to be provi- 
* History of the French Revolution, i. p. 116. 



206 HISTORY OF THE 

ded with counsel, a copy of the charge, the power of confront- 
ing witnesses, and pubUcity given to the whole procedure. 
And it was in consequence of this demand, equally liberal 
and rare on the part of a military man, that the magistrates 
asked and obtained from the assembly, that those precious 
securities should be in force, till the establishment of juries 
should prevent all anxiety about the equity of decisions.* 

The fifth and sixth of October, 1789, were two of the 
most memorable days of the revolution, when the populace 
marching from Paris to Versailles, compelled the king and 
royal family to remove to the capital. Nor is the epocha 
less important in the life of Lafayette, because, if the accu- 
sations which have been heaped upon him relative to his 
conduct during that insurrection, were not susceptible of en- 
tire refutation, he would indeed appear on the page of his- 
tory, as the " horrid ruffian" which Mr. Burke pretended to 
consider him. — An unfounded report that the king was about 
to remove to Metz; — his refusal fully to sanction the proceed- 
ings of tlie assembly which had overturned the feudal system ; 
an ill advised entertainment given in the castle of Versailles, 
denounced by Petion under the name of a plot : — and par- 
ticularly, and more immediately the scarcity of bread in the 
metropolis ; — were the principal causes which produced the 
sanguinary and disgraceful scenes of the fifth and sixth of 
October. The commotion began among the women, and the 
progress of discontent was rapid and frightful. Hundreds of 
the most licentious and daring of the rabble, chiefly women, 
collected from the markets and public halls, armed with 
staves, pikes, and every weapon that their blind fury could 
supply, poured from their dark and secret lurking places. 
They surrounded the Hotel-de Ville with fearful cries, forc- 
ed open the doors, and possessed themselves of the arms 
Their numbers were soon swelled to several thousands, by 
successive and motley groups of both sexes, furnished with 

» Lady Morgan's France, Appendix, i. p. xiii- — De Stael's Consid. 
Tol. i. ch. iv. p. 275, R. 



MARCIUIS D£ LAFAYETTE. 207 

fusils and pistols, swords and poniards, lances and hatchets, 
and dragging two pieces of cannon. At length they took the 
road to Versailles, compelling all whom they met to enlist 
under their banners. Terror and dismay preceded their van ; 
and the frantic crowd, intbxicated with rage and liquor, pre- 
cipitated themselves on Versailles. Presenting themselves 
with loud cries and imprecations at the doors of the assembly, 
they were permitted to enter, and the benches were instantly 
occupied by a crowd of women, covered with dust and sweat, 
deaf to reason, inflamed with liquor, and insatiate of blood. 
With menacing gestures, and tumultuous cries, they demand- 
ed bread for themselves, and for Paris ; and the assembly, dis- 
mayed by the imperious voice of the insurgents, sought only 
to avert destruction by the most degrading compliances. — A 
deputation, consisting of the president, fifteen deputies, and 
twelve women of the dregs of Paris, entered into the royal 
presence, and described the distress of the capital. The 
monarch answered in the language of sensibility, and with 
every assurance of prompt and effectual succour. The re- 
port of the female deputies was far from satisfying their im- 
patient companions, and the ferocious multitude directed 
their disorderly steps toward the castle, where the garde-du- 
corps, from the defection of the militia of Versailles and the 
regiment of Flanders, beheld themselves alone, and without 
resource, exposed to the headlong torrent. The hostile fury 
of the mob soon burst upon them, and many of them were 
severely wounded — About ten o'clock at night, Lafayette 
arrived, at the head of the national guards of Paris, amount- 
ing to eighteen thousand men. He first presented himself to 
the national assembly, and assured the president both of his 
own pacific intentions, and of those of his followers. He 
then passed to the royal presence, where he repeated the 
same assurances, and after making the necessary arrange- 
ments, he again returned to the castle, and communicated to 
the king the welcome tidings of public tranquillity. It was 
now about two o'clock in the morning, and his majesty, op- 



208 HISTORY OF THE 

press€d by fatigue, prepared to retire to rest. The marqui*^ 
impressed by the deceitful quiet that prevailed, then hastened 
to the national assembly, and assuring them of his reliance 
on the fidelity of his army, he retired for the purpose of pro- 
curing the repose so much needed after the exertions which 
he had made. — But sleep seemed to have recruited the 
strength without allaying the rage of the insurgents. About 
six o'clock in the morning, the frantic crowd rushed, with 
discordant cries, and sanguinary menaces, on the hotel of the 
gardes-du-corps. The doors were forced ; fifteen of the 
guards were made prisoners by the multitude ; and the rest 
fled to the palace, eagerly pursued by their blood-thirsty ene- 
mies. The courts of the royal residence were filled with the 
banditti, and two of the body guards were murdered near the 
iron-railing : a third was slaughtered on the marble stair-case; 
and the resistance made by the household troops being over- 
come, the insurgents rushed forward to the apartments of 
the queen, who escaped almost naked through a private 
passage. On the first intelligence of these events, Lafayette 
hastened to the scene with the rapidity of lightning ; the 
militia of Paris rallied at the well known voice of their 
commander ; they flew to his support ; and their united 
efforts wrested from the populace several of the gardes- 
du-corps, whose fate had been deferred to render it mote 
lingering and cruel. He also introduced into the castle a 
considerable body of the national troops, and by his well- 
timed and noble exertions, preserved the lives of the royal 
family, and restored peace to the palace. By his advice, 
the king consented to the demand of the multitude for his 
removal to Paris, and appeared with the queen, in an open 
balcony, to signify his acquiescence. On the same day, the 
royal family departed from Versailles for Paris, accompanied 
by a crowd of frantic women, still staggering under the de- 
bauch of the preceding night, and still stained with the blood 
which they had wantonly shed. These were surrounded by 
a host of men, the refuse of a vast and luxurious capital, two 



MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 209 

of which, with their arms naked and bloody, displayed aloft 
on their pikes, the heads of two of the gardes-du-corps, whom 
they had inhumanly massacred. The royal family followed, 
continually exposed to the insults of a licentious rabble, who 
incessantly reproached them as the authors of that scarcity 
which the hand of Providence had inflicted.* 

The whole conduct of Lafayette on tliis memorable oc- 
casion, both at Paris and at Versailles, has been employed 
by his enemies, or, what is the same thing, by the enemies 
of free principles, to vitiate his character; and it becomes our 
duty to defend it. — It is said that he did not adopt proper 
precautions in Paris to allay the ferment; and that, " what- 
ever were his motives," he contented himself with simply 
haranguing the soldiery, and recommending patience and 
forbearance, when they demanded to be led to Versailles. 
" The national guards," says a late writer, " who had lately 
chosen Lafayette for their commander, assembled ; and in- 
sisted upon being led to Versailles, to fetch the king to the 
capital. Lafayette, unprepared for this demand, hesitated ; 
but the municipal council ordered him to march. He obeyed. 
Never was there such conduct as this, on the part of a man 
who professed himself an apostle of honest liberty. He 
consulted a body that had no legal authority in the state ; 
and, by their orders, he led, against his sovereign, a band of 
disorganised troops who had openly declared their intention 
of making him their captive. It may be said that there was 
danger in disobedience. But had not M. Lafayette learned 
in America that danger is honourable ? and did he march 
with his soldiers, as their prisoner, or their chief? — as the 
minion, or the slave, of faction ?"t " Lafayette," says Mr. 
Playfair, "went literally guarded as a prisoner by his own 
troops, and apparently with the greatest reluctance. Two 
American gentlemen, friends of Fayette, met this caval- 
cade : he seemed to them to be in a state of great consteraa- 

* History of France, 3 vols. vol. iii. p. 468 — 489. 
I Quarterly Review, vol. xxviii. p. 289, for 1823. 
27 



210 HISTOKk O* THE 

tion, and having stopped his horse only an instant as tiiey 
passed by, one of the national soldiers took him by his bridle 
instantly, and with an oath, forced him to advance. "* — But 
if the conduct of Lafayette, according to his calumniators, 
was factious and cowardly in Paris, at that time, it was after- 
wards savage and ferocious : and, as the projector of, and 
accomplice in, the insurrection, he well deserves the execra- 
tions of every honest man. It has been asserted, where 
Lafayette's services to the royal family could not be denied, 
that the principle on which those services were performed, 
was self, and his own particular aggrandisement ; that every 
other consideration was secondary in his mind ; and that he 
had ambition enough to wish, and to endeavour, to be the 
first man in the kingdom, and resolution enough to stick at 
nothing to procure him this pre-eminence ; — affecting the 
maxim of a tyrant borrowed from a poet, " that if wrong and 
robbery were excusable, it was on the score of empire." 
"The proof of these charges," says the same writer, "is 
drawn chiefly from the general tenor of Lafayette's conduct ; 
and from a design which he had planned of seizing the go- 
vernment, on the fifth and sixth of October, 1789, with the 
aid of monsieur D'Orleans, who, as the tool of Lafayette, it 
was intended should have murdered the royal family at Ver- 
sailles, by his myrmidons, and then be put to death in his 
turn by the commander-in-chief at the head of the national 
guards, who were to revenge the king's murder. The field 
would then have been open for Lafayette, to have proclaim- 
ed himself protector. Two things are, it is said, certain ^ 
that the duke of Orleans was at Versailles on the fifth, in 
disguise, and that Lafayette, after having promised to protect 
the king, retired to a corner incognito, on a pretext of wri- 
ting to the national assembly."! This undoubtedly was a 
very magnificent, very ambitious, and very bloody plan on 
the part of general Lafayette : and it actually wants no other 

* Playfair's History of Jacob, i. p. 203, and Note. 
+ Letters from Paris in 1792, vol. ii. 292—3. 



MAR(iUIS D£ LAFAYETTE. 211 

quality but truth, to make it very decisive : but other writers 
will not even allow him the credit of being able to conceive 
it. " The duke of Orleans," say the quarterly reviewers, 
" was unquestionably the principal mover, of the insurrec- 
tion ; but how far another agent, Lafayette, was concerned 
in it, though none can doubt the wicked part he played, is 
more difficult to determine. That the duke of Orleans as- 
pired at being appointed lieutenant-general of the kingdom, 
and eventually at the crown, is what cannot now be doubted ' 
" Of a different character was Lafayette, both in disposition 
and intention. This nobleman, descended from an ancient 
family of Auvergne, exhibited a lamentable disproportion be- 
tween his faculties and his ambition. All the errors of his 
life are derived from an overrated apprehension of his own 
abihties. With unbounded desires and contracted views, an 
imagination always exaggerated, yet always barren ; a judg- 
ment always unsound, yet always confident ; he thought that 
great ends could be attained by petty means, and that po- 
litical perfection could be accomplished by such agents as 
himself Of all the men of the revolution, the duke of 
Orleans not excepted, he possessed the least understanding ; 
and, with the exception of Necker perhaps, he attributed to 
himself the greatest talents. The same defect was in his 
heart, as in his mind, and the same misconception of its pow- 
ers; for, with the utmost chilliness of soul, he conceived him- 
self to be enthusiastic, and almost imagined that he felt. In 
the war for American independence, he had shown himself 
the knight-errant of republicanism ; and the necessity which 
he thought incumbent upon him, to maintain the reputation 
he had acquired there, imposed upon him duties which he 
had not the faculty to support. He had been the friend of 
Washington; indeed the first foreign friend which the cause 
of liberty had given him. He had reaped some reputation, 
and the renown of his exploits, which certainly did not sur- 
pass the average of those performed by any gallant officer, 
outstripping his return to France, unfortunately represented 



212 HISTORY OF THE 

him as a hero. But his fame was too much for him to sus- 
tain ; and happy had it been if he had prudently submitted 
to sink under it. Rather than this, however, he chose the 
fatal honour of introducing into a nation long corrupted, 
long monarchical, long luxurious, the notions he had im- 
bibed, with little comprehension, among a people newly 
created, agricultural, laborious, and thinly dispersed over a 
wide territory. In America, he might still have been re- 
spected as the pupil of a great and good man. In Europe, 
he appeared only as the awkward imitator of a patriotism 
which he did not understand. The justness of his political 
views may be appreciated by the perseverance with which 
he endeavoured to introduce Pennsylvanian simplicity under 
the arcades of the Palais-Royal. He was most happily 
named by Mirabeau, a Grandison-Cromwell. Lafayette 
could never have aspired to the crown — neither would he 
have consented to assist the duke of Orleans in his project 
of usurpation. Visionsof popularity still more abstract than 
those of Necker, tormented him ; and he became a steady 
opponent of the court, without enrolling himself under the 
same banners with Mirabeau and Sieyes. Hence it was that, 
although the Orleanists, as well as Lafayette, were great 
agents on these days, their motives were unlike ; and while 
both tended to one object, the destruction of the power 
of the sovereign, both laboured with ditferent views and 
hopes."* To the truth of this tirade of abuse, we oppose 
the whole life and character of Lafayette, drawn as it is, 
from authentic and creditable sources. Bare assertions from 
such a quarter do not particularly demand refutation ; but 
we expose their fallacy the more willingly, as it affords the 
opportunity of placing new laurels in the chaplet of his fame 
— To proceed with our extracts : a historian remarks that 
" from the reputation he had hitherto enjoyed, vigilance and 
activity were at least to be expected ; and from the military 
power vested in his hands, and from the confidence which 

» Quarterly Review, vol. xxviii. p. 285 — 7. 



MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 2l3 

had been fondly attached to his conduct, he alone was capa- 
ble of restraining the bhnd fury of the populace. Yet," he 
continues, " whether from contempt or design, he seemed to 
persevere in supine indifference : we have already observed 
with what inattention he received the address of the grena- 
diers ; and though their disposition promised consequences 
the most fatal, yet no precautions were taken, no orders 
given, no posts occupied. It appeared as if the marquis was 
willing to enhance the merit of his services, and to suffer 
Versailles to be reduced to the last extremity before he ap- 
peared to its relief"* — Mr. Windham, (then secretary at 
war,) observed, in the British parliament, that Lafayette's 
conduct on the memorable fifth and sixth of October, in 
which there was clear and evident matter of condemnation, 
with the fate that subsequently attended him, ought to be an 
eternal lesson to all those who, actuated by similar motives 
of guilty ambition, would bring ruin on their country. " When 
at the head of the national guards," said he, " did he lead them 
as was his duty, to the relief of his king? If he had not done 
so, what excuse could be offered for him ? Would it be said 
that he acted under the impression of terror for himself? — 
If so, would they insist upon that as an excuse ? or would 
they say, that he ought not to have risked his life ? A soldier, 
honoured with such rank and favour, commanding the guards, 
could not have fallen in a nobler cause. He ought, even 
though certain of death, to have encountered it in discharge 
of his duty, and expiated, in some sort, the great calamities 
his ambition had occasioned. His own excuse was, that he 
had no command over the guards ; but what could be said 
of a man, who, having declared that he had no command over 
troops, continued nevertheless along with them. He should 
have retired, and in repentance endeavoured to atone for 
the ruins he had made. But no : — it was well understood 
what part he played, and what end he had in view."t 

» Hist. France, 3 toIs. vol. iii. p. 480 — !• 

I Pari. Chron. vol. xvi. p. 406, December 16, 1796. 



214 HISTORY OF THE, 

The proceedings of the marquis at Versailles, his inat- 
tention to the safety of the royal family, and his shameful 
neglect of duty, also afford abundant food for the palates of 
the malevolent. " After having amused the king," said Wind- 
ham, " with a promise that there was no danger, which threw 
him off his guard ; after the palace had been forced, and the 
royal family in danger ; — he appeared. Lulled into security 
by his promises, the king and queen had gone to rest ; the 
mob burst so suddenly into the palace, that her majesty was 
obliged to escape undressed. Lafayette said, that no farther 
violence would be otfered ; but when called for, was not in 
town. For how much mischief was he not answerable ?" 
Mr. Windham " would not say, for he did not believe it, that 
Lafayette wished entirely to destroy the king, or to erect a 
republic in the place of the monarchy, but that he wished 
to lower the king to a state of dependence on himself, and 
to be like Trinculo in the Tempest, vice-roy over him."* 
" On the first intelligence of these disastrous events,'' (the 
attack of the palace,) says a prejudiced writer, " the marquis 
de Lafayette quitted his bed, and endeavoured to atone by 
his activity, for his former credulity and negligence : his 
splendid promises of security were now converted into re- 
proaches ; and shame succeeded to misplaced confidence. 
As he pressed with hasty steps toward the castle, he beheld 
on every side, the fatal effects of his own imprudence."! — 
" The first step of Lafayette, on arriving at Versailles," accor- 
ding to the Quarterly Review, whose principles are properly 
appreciated in this country, "was to tranquillize the assembly, 
on the presence of the national guards, since he was at their 
head ; and afterwards to offer his services to the king, to 
whom he said, ' Sire, votre majeste n'a pas de plus fidele ser- 
yiteur que moi ? (Sire, your majesty does not possess a more 
faithful servant than myself) These exploits achieved, the 
hero of French liberty diffused the like tranquillity among 
meaner mortals ; and like Morpheus, shook his poppies over 

* Pari- Chron. vol. xvi. p. 407. 

t History of France, 3 vols. vol. iii. p. 486. 



MAR<IUIS DU LAFAYETTE. 215 

all he saw. After sending the king and royal family to sleep, 
he sent the vigilant Mounier to sleep, together with the whole 
national assembly, and every man who should have waked ; 
and then retired to rest himself Was this treachery ? Was 
it imbecility, in the man who had bivouacked with Wash- 
ington ? And did he suppose that the duke of Orleans, with 
his sixty thousand mad and drunken partizans, was sleeping 
by his side ? — Be that as it may, the assault began just two 
hours after this faithful and intrepid commander of the na- 
tional guard had distributed his opiate. One of the gates of 
the castle had been unaccountably left open. A small por- 
tion of the mob introduced themselves, through this passage, 
to the staircase leading to the queen's apartments ; and 
shortly afterwards, the attack became general."* " Again ; 
as soon as the king learned that the wish of his subjects was 
that he should go to Paris, he resolved upon complying. The 
king announced his compliance from the balcony ; and the 
queen herself confirmed it, by giving her hand publicly to 
Lafayette, who, after allowing sufficient leisure for the per- 
petration of much evil, had, some time before, fortunately 
started from his ominous repose. "t 

Those charges, which are worthy of observation, may be 
arranged under three general heads. First, the conduct of 
Lafayette in Paris, previous to the march of the militia to 
Versailles ; secondly, his neglect of duty, and criminal su- 
pineness at Versailles ; and lastly, his agency in planning 
and fomenting the insurrection, with the duke of Orleans 
and others. We believe that we are able, considering the 
Hmits to which we are now restricted, to produce a refutation 
of all these charges, so true and triumphant, as to baffle even 
the crafty sophistry of the Quarterly Review. 

In the first place, the conduct of Lafayette in Paris was 
precisely that which every man of principle, placed in his 
situation, would have adopted. Could his voice alone re- 
strain the simultaneous movement of the whole population 
* Quarterly Review, 1823, vol. xxvi. p. 289, i Ibid 290. 



216 HISTORY OF THE 

of the city ? Could he singly have opposed a famished and 
ferocious mob, much less the whole militia of Paris, of whom 
he was, indeed, the commander, but who unanimously re- 
solved, with, or without a leader, to proceed to Versailles ? 
Without a single soldier of the regular army at his command, 
was he alone to stem a torrent, which the royal, and consti- 
tuted, authorities, together, were unable to resist? Would it 
have benefitted his own fame, or his country, if he had madly 
rushed on ruin, and sacrificed his life, at a moment when its 
preservation was of the last importance to the very existence 
of the royal family ? — These are questions which, when truly 
answered, serve to reflect additional honours on the charac- 
ter of Fayette ; and in so doing, we do not rest on mere as- 
sertions, but on the testimony of those whose credit is not to 
be impeached, and who, as eye-witnesses of the events which 
they describe, have rescued the fame of Lafayette from the 
calumny of factions, and the false aspersions of political 
foes. 

At the commencement of the insurrection, when the nu- 
merous mob, composed chiefly of women, repaired to the 
Hotel-de-Ville, where a few of the committee of the Commune 
were assembled, M. Gouvion, aid to general Lafayette, and 
lieutenant-general, endeavoured, at the head of the national 
guard, to prevent their entrance ; but the soldiers, swayed 
either by gallantry, humanity, or disaffection, gave way, and 
permitted them to pass. They then, with horrid impre- 
cations, demanded bread and arms ; exclaimed with violence 
against the pusillanimity of the men ; and threatened the 
lives of the whole committee, and particularly of M. Bailly, 
and the marquis de Lafayette. Having penetrated the ma- 
gazine of arms, the universal clamour was to proceed to 
Versailles, and all endeavours to resist the fury of the mob 
were vain ; and for the best of all reasons, the want of means. 
Unfortunately the fanaticism was communicated to the gre- 
nadiers, who formed a part of the national guards. They 
not only declared that " they would not turn their bayonets 



MARt^UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 217 

against the poor women who came to ask for bread, " but in- 
timated an inclination themselves to proceed to Versailles. 
Their spokesman declaimed loudly against the committee of 
subsistence, against the gardes-du-corps, and concluded, "that 
the people were miserable, and the source of evil was at Ver- 
sailles ; that they must go and find out the king, and bring 
him to Paris." The marquis de Lafayette reasoned, insisted, 
and threatened, but the tumult increased from all quarters : 
at length, though the national guard appeared not in the most 
tractable disposition, the mayor and municipality conceived 
it to be the only means of preventing mischief at Versailles, 
to permit their departure, with their commander at their head. 
The marquis, therefore, received an order to depart for Ver- 
sailles.* — Experience had shown with what rapidity all Paris 
was inflamed, up in arms, and embodied, when the citizens 
imagined that pubHc safety was endangered. No power 
could resist an assemblage of women, and the dreadful de- 
clarations of mothers, that they had not bread to give to their 
children. This, in fact, was the spring which put in motion 
all the deeds performed that day. " Meanwhile," says M. 
Rabaut de Saint-Etienne, an actor in, and victim of, the re- 
volution, " the citizens also were desirous of bringing the king 
to Paris. Assembled in arms, they expressed their wishes in 
a manner which showed that they were determined to be 
obeyed. In vain did M. de Lafayette, who seemed astonish- 
ed at the idea of doing violence to the king, endeavour to 
allay this fermentation ; he himself became the object of their 
menaces. He required an order from the city council ; the 
order was given, and he sat out."t Playfair, an inveterate 
enemy both to Lafayette and his liberal principles, remarks, 
that he;' hesitated to obey those whom he expected to com- 
mand, but was forced to comply by the unanswerable argu- 
ment of the lantern, which was just ready within a few yards 
of his house, and which, it is not to be doubted, would have 

»Hist. Rev. in France, 2 vols, in one, vol. i. 133—4, Philad. 1794. 
\ Hist. Rev. in France, by St. Etienne, p. 95—6. Transl. Dublin 1792. 

2R 



2io MISTOKV Of THE 

been employed, '* After the first body of insurgents had de- 
parted frc^m Paris, " a second army of Amazons," says ano- 
ther writer, " was preparing to follow the first, who were 
with much difficulty dispersed by Lafayette, the national 
guards telling their general that they could not fire upon, 
or use any force, against their fellow-citizens who were 
asking for bread. At the same time, the rage for going to 
Versailles was now become general, and so strongly infected 
the national troops, that they rather commanded than desired 
their officers to lead them thither. Upon this occasion, some 
of the grenadiers told Lafayette, without reserve, that under- 
standing the king was an idiot, there was no doubt but mat- 
ters would go on much better by the appointment of a coun- 
cil of regency. Lafayette, who seemed astonished at even 
the idea of offering any violence to the king's person, or lay- 
ing any restraint upon his inchnations, with respect to resi- 
dence, endeavoured to allay this fermentation, and tempo- 
rized with the troops as long as possible ; but they becoming 
every instant more outrageous, and at length directing their 
menaces againet ';imself, he and his principal officers were 
compelled to t^bmit to the demands of the soldiery : but, in 
order to legalize his proceedings as much as he could, he first 
required and obtained an order from the mayor and council 
of Paris, to lay before the king the uneasiness of his people, "t 

" At the very first alarm," says Toulongeon, " Lafayette 
repaired to the Hotel-de-Ville, where the grenadiers of the 
guards vehemently urged him to conduct them to Versailles. 
His long resistance was useless ; and six grenadiers, deputed 
from the six companies of grenadiers, addressed him as fol- 
lows ; ' General, we do not believe you to be a traitor, but 
that you are betrayed by the government. Our committee 
of subsistence are either guilty of malversation, or incapable 
of executing their functions, and they ought to be changed. 
The people are miserable, and the source of the evil is at 
Versailles. It is necessary to bring the king to Paris. We 

* History Jacob, vol. i. p. 50.?. f Annual Reg. 1790, vol. xxxii. p. 48. 



MARQUIS DE I.AFAYfeTTE. 219 

cannot turn our arms against women who are demanding 
bread. We are determined to go to Versailles, and exter- 
minate the gardes-du-corps, and the regiment of Flanders, 
who have dared to trample under foot the national cockade.' 
M. de Lafayette, having said and did every thing that he 
could, to prevent their departure, at length requested orders 
from the civil authority : and it is important to observe that 
he expressly received them as " cedes a la force des circon- 
stances. ' (Obeyed from necessity, owing to circumstances.)* 

The whole of Lafayette's conduct, both at this time and 
previous to it, proves his sincerity in endeavouring to allay 
the popular ferment. When a riot was excited, some time 
before this period, by a very turbulent and seditious man of 
the name of St. Huruge, who proposed this very measure, 
that the king and the national assembly should be appointed 
to reside in Paris, it was greatly owing to the spirited exer- 
tions of Lafayette, that the mob which this man had assem- 
bled was dispersed, and St. Huruge himself, with several 
other agitators, seized and sent to prison ; and " there can be 
no doubt," says Moore, " that the present insurrection would 
have had a similar termination, if the national guards had 
been equally obedient on this occasion as on the former. ' 
The national guards assembled before the Hotel-de-Ville, 
were so determined on this expedition to Versailles, and so 
irritated at Lafayette's persevering endeavours to dissuade 
them, that a large body of them declared that they would no 
longer have him for their commander, and actually proposed 
to M. Dogni, Intendant-des-postes, to accept the chief com- 
mand instead of Lafayette, and to lead them to Versailles, 
declaring that they would follow his orders in all respects. 
He, however, positively refused. Seeing that, at all events, 
they were decided on going, and being utterly unable to op- 
pose their decision by force, M. de Lafayette at length said, 
that if the municipality would give him an ord^r for that 
purpose, he would go at the head of the national guards to 

* Hist, de Prance, par Toulongeon, tome i. page 134, Paris, 1801. 



220 HISTORY OF THE 

comniunicate to the king the distresses of the capital, and 
the grievances of which they complained. Having obtained 
the order, he set out for Versailles, four or five hours after 
the motley band of males and females had taken the same 
route.* V 

Happy, indeed, was it, as we shall now proceed to show, 
that Lafayette was thus induced, from circumstances to alter 
his determination. Had not his all-commanding voice been 
heard at Versailles, the royal family would, beyond all doubt, 
have fallen victims to the ferocity of the mob. No other 
man could have guided the national guards, for no other man 
possessed so large a share of their confidence and affection. 
Whatever threats they may have uttered, and however ready 
some of them may have been, in the frenzy of the moment, 
even to immolate their commander, yet every other of their 
actions in which he was personally interested, during the 
period of his command, when ruled by reason, demonstrated 
the ardent love they bore him. If the Parisian guard, as in 
case of his refusal they certainly would have done, had 
marched to Versailles without Lafayette at their head, they 
would have, if not actually joined the mob, at least like the 
Versailles guard, remained passive : and in either event the 
destruction of the royal family, and the massacre of its few 
but brave defenders, would have been inevitable. 

However insubordinate the Parisian guards may have 
been previous to their departure from the capital, it is clearly 
demonstrated by subsequent events, that they afterwards sub- 
jected themselves fully to the orders of their beloved com 
mander. He now appeared to them in a new character ; 
not as the opponent of their designs, but as the bearer of 
their complaints from the commune of Paris to the king. — 
The policy of this measure is too obvious not to satisfy, with 
respect to his motives, all those who are not interested in 
defaming Lafayette. It was an easy and pretty plausible as- 
sertion, taking care, however, to omit the rationale, that the 

* Moore's View French Rev. vol. i. 287-9 



MARQUIS BE LAFAYETTE. 221 

general headed the insurgents as the organ of communicat- 
ing their grievances to the sovereign : while, in fact, it was 
only done so as to regain the confidence which rage had mo- 
mentarily weakened, and as the lesser evil, to assure himself 
of obedience from those under his command, and to prevent 
greater evils by restraining a spirit which his presence alone 
could effect. That he possessed perfect command over his 
troops, is proved by his causing them, on the route, to swear 
fidelity to the king and to the laws. For, notwithstanding 
the absurd tales of Mr. Playfair, and the arithmetical calcu- 
lations of others, whereby the time necessary to administer 
an oath to so large an army, and the number of square feet 
necessary for the said army to stand upon while 'undergoing 
the ceremony, are nicely computed, the fact is not the less 
true.* Indeed, while some inimical writers deny it altogether 
as affording too strong a proof of the marquis' power over 
the soldiery, and especially of his pacific and loyal intentions, 
others adduce it as an evidence of his guilt, and of his de- 
sire to procrastinate the arrival of succour to Versailles ! — 
" The national guard," says De Stael, " marched with order, 
was obedient to its commander, and expressed no wish but 
that of bringing the king and the assembly to Paris. "t 

It was midnight when the Parisian army arrived at Ver- 
sailles; and whatever alarm an expedition, the object of 
which they knew not, might have occasioned in the breasts 
of the deputies, it was soon removed by the conduct of La- 
layette, who presented himself to the national assembly with 
every appearance of respect and submission. He lamented 
the disorders and jealousies which had compelled him, against 
his judgment, to march at the head of the national guards to 
Versailles ; expressing at the same time his hope and belief, 
that an apology from the gardes-du-corps, and their adoption 
of the national cockade, would produce an oblivion of the 

• Toulong. Hist, de France, vol i. p. 135 — Ann. Reg. vol. xxxii, p. 
51-2.— Hist, of France, a vols. vol. iii. p. 482. 
t Consider- French Rev. vol. i. p. 340 



222 HISTORY OF THE 

past, and a good understanding in future. — The weather was 
cold ; and it continued to' rain with violence. The soldiers 
took refuge in taverns, eotfee-houses, under porticos, wher- 
ever they could rest, and find shelter. Refreshments were 
distributed among them ; and an appearance of good humour 
inspired hopes that all danger of tumult was over for that 
night at least. When Lafayette perceived this, he gave such 
an account of this apparent tranquillity that the king and 
queen retired to rest. After having made the necessary ar- 
rangements, appointed ditFerent guards, and placed sentinels 
where he deemed it necessary, he again entered the national 
assembly, apd gave them the same assurances that he had 
given the king. The members accordingly dispersed, con- 
vinced of the general pacific disposition ; and, at about five 
in the morning, the marquis himself, aftei having visited all 
the posts, and found every thing perfectly quiet, retired to 
his quarters to write to the municipality of Paris, and to 
snatch a few hours repose.* — Madame De Stael, who was 
not only in Versailles, but in the palace, at the time, observes 
that " M. de Lafayette entered the palace, and crossed the 
hall where we were, to go into the king. Every one sur- 
rounded him with ardour, as if he had been the master of 
events, while the popular party was already stronger than its 
leader. M. de Lafayette," she continues, " seemed perfectly 
calm ; he has never been seen otherwise ; but his dehcacy 
suffered by the importance of the part he had to act: — to 
insure the safety of the palace, he desired to occupy the posts 
of the interior ; — the exterior posts only roere given to him. 
This refusal was natural, as the body-guards ought not to be 
removed ; but it had almost been the cause of the greatest 
misfortunes. — M. de Lafayette left the palace, giving us the 
most tranquillizing assurances. At five in the morning, he 
thought that all danger was over, and relied on the body 
guards, who had answered for the interior of the palace. A 

♦Moore's View, vol ii. p. 9, 10— Etienne's Rev. p. 99.— Hist French 
Rev. 2 vols, in one, vol- i. p- 159. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 223 

passage which they had forgotten to shut, enabled the aseas- 
sins to get in. A similar accident proved favourable to two 
conspiracies in Russia, at times when vigilance was at its 
height, and when outward circumstances were most tranquil. 
It is, therefore, absurd to censure M. de Lafayette for an 
event that was so unlikely to occur. No sooner was he ap- 
prized of it, than he rushed forward to the assistance of those 
who were threatened with an ardour which was acknowledged 
at the moment, before calumny had prepared her poison."* 

" It has been asserted by M. Lafayette's enemies," says 
Moore, " that he affected to retire to rest, knowing that the 
palace was to be attacked, that he might not be thought to 
have any part in the horrid attempt which took place during 
his absence. But whatever blame he may be charged with 
for not taking more effectual means for guarding the palace, 
or for giving way to the desire of rest at such a period, the 
excessive fatigue, both of mind and body, which he had un- 
dergone, precludes the suspicion of affectation ; and his con- 
duct, from the moment he was awaked, as well as his general 
behaviour and character through life, must satisfy the candid 
and impartial, that (he accusation is unjust, and that he had 
not the least notion when he retired, that the castle would 
be attacked. — Notwithstanding some scenes of confusion 
which no activity could prevent, the manner in which he 
suppressed the great insurrection in the Champ-de-Mars, on 
the seventeenth of July, and the state of tranquillity in which 
Paris was kept during the whole time that M. Lafayette had 
the command of the national guards, compared with the hor- 
rid scenes that were acted there after it was entrusted to 
others, afford reason to believe, that it would have been for- 
tunate for the royal family, and for France, that he had con- 
tinued in that command ; in which case, the insurrection of 
the tenth of August would not have happened ; or, if it had, 
the issue would probably have been different, and the mas- 
sacres in September would certainly have been prevented. "1 
» Consider. French Rev. vol. i. p- 340, I .-+ Moore's View. vol. ii. p. 10.1 1 . 



224 HISTORY OF THE 

The palace was attacked soon after day-break, on the sixth 
of October, and it was evident that the orders of Lafayette, 
in guarding the external courts, were ill-obeyed. It is of the 
first importance to repeat, that he had required the com- 
mand over the posts of the interior, which request was re- 
fused. The internal regulations of the castle would not ad- 
mit of his interference : — the day before the attack, it would 
have been universally condemned as an abuse of his power. 
This etiquette was so sacred, that no one even entertained 
the idea of permitting any innovation.* The national guards 
were merely permitted to occupy the exterior posts ; the 
Swiss guards occupied all the posts toward the gardens ; and, 
by express order, the gardes-du-corps alone were reserved 
for the interior posts of the castle. It was impossible for 
Lafayette to change these orders, without employing an au- 
thority which, owing to circumstances, would have been con- 
sidered as an abuse of power. On the evening of the fifth, 
none of the events of the sixth could have been expected 
except by those who planned them ; and it is still more pro- 
bable that the enterprise was concerted during the night. — 
In fact, order was so little established in the interior of the 
castle, — the event was so little expected, — and every thing 
was so little changed from tiie usual system, that, according 
to daily custom, the posts of the gardes-du-corps were merely 
commanded by the brigadiers or quarter-masters in ordi- 
nary.! 

Thus was the marquis de Lafayette actually excluded 
from the palace, which, say his enemies, ought to have been 
his post during the night. This apparent neglect of a duty 
which he was not permitted to fulfil, is the only point of blame, 
that has ever, on this occasion, been urged against him with 
any degree of confidence. " The truth was," said general 

* The respect in which it was held may be gathered from the follow- 
ing anecdote : — When Lafayette arrived, during the tumult, and after 
rapidly passing through the apartments, arrived at the entrance of the 
king's chamber, he was stopped by the proper oflficer, who observed, 
" le roi vous accorde les grandes entrees." 

+ Toulong. Hist, tome i. Pieces Justif- 120-1 



MARQ.UiS DE LAFAYETTE. 225 

Fitzpatrick, " that having conceived an opinion that he had 
perfectly restored tranquilHty, and provided for the safety of 
the royal family, and having been sixty hours without sleep, 
and fifteen actually on watch, worn by the weather and the 
turbulence of the multitude, and exhausted with fatigue, he 
suffered himself to be persuaded to throw himself, undressed 
as he was, on a bed, to get some repose for an hour or two. 
The mob, during this interval, renewed their attack ; and 
his enemies asserted, that he had retired with a view to suf- 
fer this renewal ; — a calumny which every circumstance 
tended to refute. Instantly upon his being informed of this 
second outrage, he again went to repress their violence, and 
succeeded. If we look at him afterwards, we constantly 
see him the defender of good order and the law, the opposer 
of tyranny and oppression, from whatever quarter it arose."* 

As soon as the marquis de Lafayette heard of the attack, 
he started from his bed, mounted his horse, and having sum- 
moned a company of grenadiers, conjured them to accom- 
pany him to the palace, and save the royal family from as- 
sassination, and the French name from lasting infamy. They 
arrived as the ruffians were attempting to force this king's 
apartment, to which the queen had fled for safety. Nothing 
but instant death was expected by the royal company. Sud- 
denly, however, the tumult seemed to cease — every thing 
was quiet ; and a moment after, a gentle rap was heard at 
the door. The gardes-du-corps refused to open it : " Admit 
us," cried the grenadiers, " we have not forgotten that you 
saved us at Fontenoy." In an instant the apartment was 
filled with the Parisian guard, who grounded their arms. — 
" We come," said their commander, " to save the king ;" — 
and turning to such of the gardes-du-corps as were in the 
apartments — " We will save you also, gentlemen ; let us from 
this moment be united."t 

Unfortunately the national guard arrived too late to pre- 

* Pari. Chron vol. ix. p. 645. 

t Toulong. Hist, tome i. p. 144.— Hist Rev. France, vol. i. p. 140 — 
Moore's View, vol- ii. p. 12. 
29 



226 HISTORY OF THE 

vent all the mischief. Two of the gardes-du-corps were 
murdered by the mob, before the troops could be rallied. — 
From the first moment of the alarm, the marquis de Lafay- 
ette had even exceeded his usual activity. He appeared in 
every quarter : — " Gentlemen," he exclaimed to the Parisian 
soldiers, " I have pledged my word and honour to the king, 
that nothing belonging to him shall receive injury. If I 
break my word, I shall be no longer worthy to be your com- 
mander." Animated by him, the Parisians forced their way 
in every part, through the almost impenetrable mass, sur- 
rounded the gardes-du-corps, and placed them in safety un- 
der their own colours.* — Fifteen of these body-guards, who 
having opposed the first entrance of the mob into the palace, 
had been surrounded and overpowered, were still in the 
hands of those savages, who were preparing to put them to 
death. " Grenadiers .'" cried Lafayette to his soldiers, ' 'souf- 
frierz-vous done que de braves gens soient ainsi lachement 
assassines ?" (Grenadiers ! will you then suffer those brave 
men to be assassinated in so cowardly a manner ?) — The 
victims were rescued, and immediately conducted into the 
palace, while Lafayette endeavoured to soothe and molHfy 
the populace.! This glorious act was performed in the courts, 
and beneath the windows of the palace. In the record of 
those moments of murder and rage, it is delightful to recite 
deeds which are an honour to humanity.| " In the next hall," 
says madame de Stael, describing the scene at the castle, 
" the body guards were embracing the national guards, with 
that warmth which is always inspired by emotion in great 
emergencies : they were exchanging their distinctive marks, 
the national guards putting on the belt of the body-guards, 
and the body-guards the tri-coloured cockade. All were then 
exclaiming with transport, Vive Lafayette ! because he had 
saved the lives of the body-guards, when threatened by the 
populace. "§ 

* Hist Rev. France vol. i, p. 141 — t Moore's View, ii, 13 — J Tou- 
lon^- Hist. i. Pieces Justif. p. 121. 

t Consider. French Rev. vol. i, 342- 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 227 

Thus, with his own hand did the gallant general rescue 
fifteen of the king's guard, whom the populace had marked 
for destruction. And no fact can be more clearly established 
that it was to Lafayette that all the royal family of France 
owed their existence for one hour after the attack on the 
castle. For some time after that event, before their passions 
had gained the mastery over recent recollections, all parties, 
without exception, agreed, that, at that dreadful period, the 
king, his family, and the whole court, owed their safety to 
the devoted zeal with which Lafayette fulfilled his numerous 
duties. The evidence of this fact is overwhelming ; it can- 
not be overthrown ; it proceeded from the lips of the queen 
herself, who at least could not be suspected of partiality in 
favour of the services rendered by Lafayette, on that day ; 
she never afterwards refused to acknowledge the obligations 
which gratitude exacted ; and she never contradicted, nor 
denied the truth of, her triumphant expression, " Jious lui 
devons la vie ce jour-la." (On that day we owed our lives 
to him.*) 

The king's mind was greatly affected with the death of 
the guards who had fallen in his defence ; and, notwithstand- 
ing all the assurances of Lafayette, while he walked through 
his palace accompanied and protected by the general, he was 
making continual inquiries respecting them. The king, ac- 
companied by the queen, with the dauphin and princess 
royal at her side, having shown himself in a balcony, loud 
cries of Le roi a Paris ! — le roi a Paris ! (the king to Paris !) 
mingled with menaces, arose. His majesty retired, and after 
having conferred with Lafayette, re-appeared, and signified 
his intention of going immediately to the capital. In fact, 
he had no choice left : it would not, perhaps, have been in 
the power of M. de Lafayette himself, to have saved the 

* Toulong. Hist, tome i. Pieces Justif 121— 2— Parliament Chron. 
vol. ix. 645. The "queen," said general Fitzpatrick, "had publicly 
declared that it was to him she owed her life ; of this there are in Lon- 
don, at this hour, persons ready to bear testimony they heard that un- 
fortunate princess say so."-Ibid! vol- xvi, 4l5.-Moore's.View. ii. p. 12, 13. 



228 HISTORY OF THE 

lives of the royal family, had he refused. — The acquiescence 
of the king in their demand was received with shouts of joy 
by the people. At tliis moment, Lafayette approached the 
queen, and inquired with respectful hesitation, if it was her 
intention to accompany the king. " Yes," she replied, " al- 
though I know the danger." " Madame," said he, " are you 
resolved ?" — " I am." — " Condescend, then, to appear in the 
balcony, and permit me to accompany you." — " Without the 
king, —have you observed the threats?" — "Yes, madam, 
but venture to confide in me." — Lafayette then conducted 
her majesty to the balcony. It was a delicate and danger- 
ous step ; — but the danger was less, than to permit the queen 
to depart for Paris without reconciling her to the people. — 
The noise and agitation of the mob would not permit the 
voice to b^ heard ; it was necessary to speak to the eyes of 
the multitude. Lafayette approached, and kissed the hand 
of the queen, in the sight of all the people. This action 
first created general astonishment ; but it was soon interrupt- 
ed, and the silence was broken by loud acclamations, and 
cries of Vive la reine ! Vive le general ! — The king in a 
state of apprehension, had followed the queen, and remained 
in the back ground : observing the success of her appearance 
he said to Lafayette, cannot you do something for my guards ?" 
" Sire ! " replied the hero, " command one of them to ad- 
vance." He did so ; and Lafayette, taking off his own cock- 
ade, placed it in the cap of the guard, and embraced him. 
In a moment the air resounded with loud cies of " Vive 
les gardes-du-corps."* 

The royal family proceeded to Paris ©n the same day, 
and the tokens of joy manifested by the citizens on their re- 
turn, was, in a great degree, owing to the exertions and po- 
pularity of Lafayette. 

From the detail which has been faithfully and necessarily 
given, it is not absolutely requisite to disprove further, the 
assertion, that M. de Lafayette was connected with the duke 

* Moore's View, ii, p. 15 To\ilong. Hist, tome i- p. 146-7. 



.MAUQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 229 

of Orleans in fomenting the insurrection. The ill terms on 
which he was with D' Orleans is sufficient of itself to clear 
him of this accusation. No two men were less hkely to be in 
intimacy with each other. Their characters were directly 
opposite : Lafayette was indefatigable in the pursuit of re- 
nown ; disinterested, brave, and generous : — qualities never 
attributed to the character of the duke D'Orleans. Even 
Playfair admits, in exaggerated language, that "Lafajette 
was become his mortal enemy." The sending of the duke 
of Orleans out of the kingdom, by- Lafayette, is also a tri- 
umphant vindication from the charges of his enemies. It 
must be remembered that nothing could exceed the indig- 
nation of Lafayette, at the unexpected disobedience which 
he experienced from his troops on the fifth of October. All 
the mutual ties which should unite a general and his army, 
seemed at once dissolved. He well knew that their disobe- 
dience and mutiny did not originate with themselves, but 
were produced by the machinations of the cabal, of which 
Mirabeau was, at least, the ostensible head, and the duke 
D'Orleans the real father. Against the latter, therefore, he 
justly directed his indignation : for, whatever his private 
political views might have been, there certainly was nothing 
farther removed from them, or which he abhorred more, even 
in idea, than that the duke of Orleans, through any convul- 
sion, or change of circumstances, or under any denomination, 
of regent or otherwise, should ever be placed at the head of 
public affairs. The views of the cabal were now thoroughly 
seen through, and they had consequently lost all influence, 
weight, and confidence, in the assembly ; and rumours were 
circulated which represented the duke of Orleans as harbour- 
ing criminal designs upon the crown, or the regency at least. 
M. de Lafayette had for some time perceived that the na- 
tional guards were not so ready and cheerful in their obe- 
dience to his orders, as formerly. The rabble, also, were 
uncommonly tumultuous. The duke of Orleans was strongly 
suspected of being the author of these excesses, arid of the 



i230 lilSTOKY OF THE 

mutinous disposition of the national guards. He was not more 
odious to the court than to Lafayette, and would have been 
arrested, had it not been judged imprudent to venture on so 
decisive a measure, in the present circumstances. Another 
plan less likely to create popular commotion, but which, it 
was thought, would have all the good effect of arresting him, 
was adopted. M. de Lafayette settled the business like a 
soldier with little ceremony, but peremptory effect. In a 
short and sudden conference with the duke, he informed him, 
in a few words, that his presence in France was, at this junc- 
ture, incompatible with the good of the nation ; that England, 
where he was well acquainted, was deemed the country most 
fitting for him to retire to ; that a passport from the king was 
ready for him ; and that, to cover the matter, he should be 
apparently sent to execute a private commission from his 
majesty. The mandate was so peremptory, delivered with 
such firmness, and accompanied with an air of such decisive 
authority, that the duke, surprised and subdued, shrunk un- 
der its effect ; and, every thing being prepared, was des- 
patched to England. " There was probably something," 
says Moore, " very powerful in M. Lafayette's manner, which 
convinced the duke so suddenly of the expediency of this , 
journey ; for, in the expressions he used, there appears to 
have been nothing very persuasive." It is stated by others, 
that the duke made some objections to the measure, and that, 
at a meeting on the subject held at the office of the minister 
for foreign affairs, he remarked to Lafayette, "My enemies 
pretend that you possess proofs against me." — " They are ra- 
ther my enemies who say it," replied the general, " If I were 
capable of producing proofs against you, you would have 
already been arrested."* 

We have deemed it a duty to transgress our limits in de- 
scribing the part acted by the marquis de Lafayette, on the 
fifth and sixth of October, and to particularize a conduct 

*Toulong. Hist, tome i. Pieces Justif. p. 122. — Consid. French Rev. 
i. 349, 350.— Hist. Rev. i. 146— Etienne's Rev. 102. Annual Reg. xxxii. 
61,62~Moore's View, vol. ii. p. 89, 90. 



MARQ,U1S DE LAFAIETTE. 231 

which, SO far from deserving the opprobrium which has been 
cast upon it, is a beautiful and brilUant display of the noblest 
qualities of a noble soul.* In the official report subsequently 
made to the Commune of Paris, the committee observed, 
that " it was their duty to commence with the highest eulo- 
giums on the commander-in-chief, not only on account of 
his well known courage, prudence, and firmness, but also of 
his patriotic devotion, which caused him to brave murmurs 
and menaces, in order to restrain the multitude within the 
bounds of duty, and guide with wisdom an impetuous torrent 
which had burst from its banks. "t The princess Elizabeth 
also joined her testimony in favour of Lafayette. Nearly 
two years after the sixth of October, she heard it remarked, 
that, in case of a counter-revolution, it was intended to pro- 
duce against Lafayette, a letter written by him on that day 
Warmed with indignation at so unjust a design, she caused 
him to be made acquainted with it, and advised him to with- 
draw the document from the Hotel-de-Ville, where it was 
deposited. Lafayette, touched with the generosity of the 
princess, replied, " that he had written nothing which he 
feared to make public. "J 

The national assembly soon followed the king to Paris, 
and on the day of their first sitting were waited on by the 
mayor, and Lafayette, at the head of a deputation from the 
municipality, with the congratulations of the capital ; in re- 
turn for which M. Baillyand Lafayette received a unanimous 
vote of thanks from the assembly, for the zeal, vigilance, 
activity, and patriotism, which had distinguished their con- 
duct during the late troubles. In the answer to their ad- 
dress, the president observed, in allusion to Lafayette, — 
" That hero is a philosopher whom the interests of mankind 

* As an additional proof that Lafayette had no participation whatever 
in creating this insurrection, it is stated, that letters from him to D'Es- 
taing, dated in September, indicative of some approaching, or appre- 
hended danger, were communicated to the municipal committee of Ver- 
sailles, who accordingly demanded an additional regiment to protect the 
town — Annual Reg. vol. xxxii. p. 42. 

+ Mem Hist. p. 190. \ Touloag. Hist. Pieces Justif p. 121. 



232 HISTORY OF THE 

alone called into the field of glory, and who, beneath the 
banners of an illustrious warrior who can never be forgotten, 
seemed like him, to prize the lessons of a modern Lycurgus, 
as much as, and perhaps more than, the laurels of the tri- 
umphs which founded the liberty of Philadelphia."* 

Towards the close of the year 1789, the marquis de Fav- 
ras was accused of a conspiracy, the object of which was to 
massacre M. de Lafayette, M. Bailly, and M. Necker, and 
convey the king, with or without his consent, to Peronne. 
He was subsequently condemned, and executed on the nine- 
teenth of February, 1 790 ; and the first day of his trial af- 
forded another opportunity to the commander-in-chief, in the 
display of his duty. The mob then endeavoured riotously 
to assemble ; but they were dispersed by the masterly con- 
duct of Lafayette, and the city was thereby restored to per- 
fect tranquillity. 

In the month of January, 1790, the baron de Bezenval, 
the Swiss general, was tried and acquitted by the court of 
chatelet ; but before the sentence had been declared, noth- 
ing could exceed the rage and indignation of the populace, 
when they became convinced of the certainty of his acquit- 
tal. They resolved to exercise the right of summary and 
executive justice, by forcing the prison in which Bezenval 
was confined ; and exhibiting in his person a memorable and 
bloody instance to mankind, of that inexorable justice by 
which they were guided. The twelfth of January was fix- 
ed on for the execution of this design ; and the expectations 
and cruel hopes of the rabble were elevated to the highest 
pitch. But they were not able, in their present state, to con- 
duct schemes of this nature with that secrecy which is so 
necessary to their success. Bailly, Lafayette, the chatelet, 
the national assembly, and, in a word, every part of govern- 
ment, became masters of the whole design, and all adopted 
such measures as seemed best calculated for its prevention 
or defeat. Lafayette, in particular, acted with great vigour, 

* Mem. Hist. p. 165-6 7. 



MARQ,UiS DE LAFAyETTE. 233 

diligence, and effect. But, although the immediate designs 
of the plotters were thus overthrown, yet the capital con- 
tinued in a state of great disorder for two or three days. — 
Cabals and meetings were continually taking place, and all 
the past indications of mischief were renewed, and seemed 
to appear in stronger colours than usual. Mischiefs of every 
kind, and accompanied with every degree of horror and ruin, 
were generally expected ; and even those who were best in- 
formed, anticipated some great, and probably dreadful event. 
But Lafayette, by a vigorous act of exertion put an end to 
the combustion in Paris. With his militia, he suddenly sur- 
rounded, at night, a body of eleven hundred of the insur- 
gents, who were assembled in the Champs Elysees, of whom 
he made two hundred prisoners ; the rest being so terrified 
that they seemed to consider themselves fortunate in escaping 
with their lives. This put a stop for the present, to noctur- 
nal meetings, as well as to riots by day.* 

On the twenty-second of May, 1790, after a long and 
stormy debate during several sittings, the national assembly 
decreed that " war could not be declared but by a decree of 
the legislative assembly, predicated on the formal and neces- 
sary proposition of the king, and afterwards sanctioned by 
his majesty." On this occasion, which brought forward all 
the talents of the assembly, M. de Lafayette opposed the ab- 
solute right of the king to declare war, but maintained that 
a division of the power would be more conformable to the 
true constitutional principles of liberty and monarchy, more 
calculated to keep at a distance the scourge of war, and 
more advantageous to the people. — In concludinghis opinions 
on this subject, which were of course less popular than those 
which vested the whole power in the legislative assembly, 
Lafayette made the following Boble remark ; — " I have be- 
lieved that I could not better pay the immense obhgations 
which I owe to the people, than in not sacrificing to the fleet- 

j^ Ann Reg. vol. xxxii, p. 124-5, 6 — Toulong. Hist. vol. i, p. 187 
30 



234 HiaxoKV OF the 

ing popularity of a day, the opinions which I considered as 
most useful in promoting their good."* 

On the seventh of June, general Lafayette afforded a sig- 
nal proof of the disinterestedness of his principles, when 
some anxiety was either felt, or feigned, at his command 
over so vast an army as the whole national guard of the king- 
dom. He mounted the tribune, and proposed a decree that 
no individual should command more than one department 
of the national guards at a time ; and this, too, when four- 
teen thousand deputies of four millions of armed citizens 
were about to entreat him to become their chief It is such 
traits in the life and character of a man which ought espe- 
cially to be recorded.! 

Lafayette had, since its establishment, uniformly declared 
himself against the Jacobin clubj and its projects. With 
Bailly, the mayor of Paris, he had organised an opposing 
club, and the victory between the two parties was doubtful 
for more than a year and a half The position in which La- 
fayette was placed during the contest, was extremely embar- 
rassing and dangerous. He was obliged to oppose the un- 
principled purposes of the Jacobins, without retreating to- 
ward the principles of the ancient despotism ; and it is 
greatly to his honour, that he did it most faithfully and con- 
sistently. When, therefore, on the twentieth of June, 1790, 
a proposition was suddenly made in the convention to abolish 
all titles of nobility, La Fayette,. true to his principles, rose^ 
to second it. This proposition emanated from a member of 
the minority of the noblesse. A short discussion followed. 
Lafayette observed that the suppression of titles was a ne- 
cessary consequence of the constitution which had been 
adopted. " What !" exclaimed M. Foucault, who opposed the 
motion, " would you deprive man of the most powerful, and 
the most noble motive, of emulation ? — What would you 

* Mem. Hist. p. 197-8, 9.— Toulong. Hist, i, 208- 

+ Biog. Not. p. 9— Tqulong. i. 214 — Mem. Hist. Pref. xv- 

1 The first meeting of this club was held 6n the sixth of October, 1789. 



MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. '235 

t\o, for instance, if there were no titles, with the man whom 
Henry II. created, according to the words of the patent, 
" noble and count, for having saved the state ?" " I would 
omit,'' replied Lafayette, " the words created a count, and 
insert only that he had saved the state." — It was attempted 
to preserve the title of seigneurs for the princes of the 
reigning family, but Lafayette opposed it, in the same genu- 
ine spirit of liberty which had dictated his first opinion. — 
From this time, Lafayette renounced the title of marquis, 
and has never since resumed it. Since the restoration of 
the Bourbons, indeed, and the revival of the ancient nobility, 
there has been sometimes an affectation among the ultra roy- 
alists of calling him by his former title ; but he has never re- 
cognised it, and is still known in France only by the address 
of general. At least, if he is sometimes called otherwise 
there, it is not by his friends. On the seventh of February, 
1824, he was summoned as a witness in the trial of madame 
Chauvet, the wife of a person condemned to death, as an ac- 
complice with general Berton, but who fled to England.-^ 
After the accusation was read, the first witness called was 
the " marquis de Lafayette. " General Lafayette immediately 
rose, and observed, that since the decree of the constitu- 
tional assembly, of June, 1790, he had ceased to bear the 
title of marquis. The clerk of the court, by the order of 
the president then called M. de Lafayette, the father, and 
M. de Lafayette, the son, who had been also summoned.* 

At length the constitution of a representative monarchy, 
which Lafayette's exertions had, from the first opening of 
the assembly, been consistently devoted to establish, was pre- 
pared ; and all were desirous that it should be received and 
recognised by the nation in the most solemn manner. A 
^reat public ceremony was, therefore, resolved on, and the 
•Jay selected as most appropriate for the occasion was the 
fourteenth of July, 1 790, the anniversary of the destruction 

« North Am. Rev. No. xlvi. p. 160.— Hist- French Rev. i. 192. — Ton- 
long. Hist. i. 217 — Nat. Gaz. March 17, 1824. 



236 HISTORY OF THE 

of the bastile. The king, the national assembly, and the> 
people, were then to take an oath to maintain the cause of 
liberty and the constitution ; for although the latter was not. 
yet completed, yet the principles which it declared sacred 
had obtained universal assent. The Champ-de-Mars, in 
front of the military school, was chosen for the grand na- 
tional solemnity. In the midst of this extensive plain, an 
altar was erected, for the purpose of administering the civic 
oath ; and round it, an immense amphitheatre was thrown up, 
of a league in circumference, and capable of containing four 
hundred thousand spectators. The entrance into the Champ- 
de-Confederation, (as it was now called,) was through tri- 
umphal arches : the king's throne was placed under an ele- 
gant pavilion in the middle, and on each side of it were seats 
for the members of the national assembly. Two thousand 
workmen were employed upon this immense labour : but 
the citizens of Paris, fearing lest the preparations should not 
be completed at the appointed period, flocked from every 
quarter to assist in the undertaking. Not only the military 
but the clergy, and even the ladies, lent their cheerful assis- 
tance. Women of the first rank were seen joining the crowd 
of voluntary labourers ; and young women of every denomi- 
nation were daily seen tripping to the field with their gowns 
tucked, and belts of the national ribbon aroilnd their waists. 
There the lover wrought by the side of his mistress, enliven- 
ed by her smiles, and encouraged by the tune of Ca Ira.* 

The day preceding the intended celebration, a deputation 
from the whole of the national guards in the kingdom, paid 
their homage to the national assembly and the king. M. de 
Lafayette was at its head. In addressing the national assem- 
bly, Lafayette, among other things, remarked, that the na- 
tional guards of France now came to offer the homage of 
their respect and gratitude ; that the nation desired liberty 
and demanded a constitution ; but that they might have ex 

• North Am. Review, No. xlvi. p. J6Q-I — Moore's View vol. ii p 
90:-l — Hist French Rev. vol. i. J 95- 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 237 

pected it in vain, if the enlightened will of the assembly had 
not created the power entrusted to the national guards, and 
if their united and harmonious efforts had not reinstated the 
order which the first movements of liberty had destroyed. 
" Gentlemen," he exclaimed, " you well knew the necessities 
of France, and the will of Frenchmen, when you destroyed 
the gothic fabric of our government and laws, and respected 
only their monarchical principle : Europe then discovered 
that a good king could be the protector of a free, as he had 
been the ground of comfort to an oppressed, people. — The 
rights of man are declared ; the sovereignty of the people 
acknowledged ; their power is representative ; and the bases 
of public order are established. Hasten, then, to give energy 
to the power of the state. The people owe^tj? you the glory 
of a new constitution : but they require and expect that peace 
and tranquillity which cannot exist without a firm and effec- 
tual organization of government. — We, gentlemen, devoted 
to the revolution, and united in the name of liberty, the 
guarantees alike of individual and common rights and safety ; 
we. called by the most imperative duty from all parts of the 
kingdom, founding our confidence on your wisdom, and our 
hopes on your services, — we will bear, without hesitation, to 
the altar of the country, the oath which you may dictate to 
its soldiers. — Yes, gentlemen, our arms shall be stretched 
forth together, and at the same instant, our brotncs from all 
parts of France, shall utter the oath which will unite them 
together. May the solemnity of that great day be the signal 
of the conciliation of parties, of the obHvion of resentments, 
and of the establishment of public peace and happiness. — 
And fear not that this holy enthusiasm will hurry us beyond 
the proper and prescribed limits of public order. Under the 
protection of the law, the standard of liberty shall never be- 
come the rallying point of licentiousness and disorder. Gen- 
tlemen, we swear to you to respect the law which it is our 
duty to defend, — we swear, by our honour as freemen ; — 
and Frenchmen do not promise in vain." — The address of 



238 HISTORY OF THE 

Lafayette to the king evinced the same regard to royal, and 
national rights. " Sire," said he, " in the course of those 
memorable events which have restored to the nation its im- 
prescriptible rights, and during which the energy of the 
people, and the virtues of their king, have produced such 
illustrious examples for the contemplation of the world, we 
loved to hail, in the person of your majesty, the most illus- 
trious of all titles, — chief of the French, and king of a free 
people. — Enjoy, sire, the recompense of your virtues, and let 
that pure homage, which despotism could not command, be 
the glory and reward of a citizen-king. You have desired 
that we should possess a constitution founded on Hberty and 
public order. All your wishes, sire, shall be accomplished ; 
liberty we havt^^ecured, and our zeal is the guarantee of 
public order." Lafayette concluded with these remarkable 
words : " The national guards of France swear to your ma- 
jesty, an obedience which shall know no other limits than 
those of the law, and a love which shall only terminate with 
their existence." The reply of the king was extremely cir- 
cumspect and affectionate ; " Repeat to your fellow- citizens, 
that it would have been my desire to speak to them all, as I 
now speak to you. Say to them, that their king is their fa- 
ther, their brother, their friend, that he cannot be contented 
without their prosperity, great without their glory, rich with- 
out their property, nor unhappy without they are afflicted."* 
The day of vast and universal expectation at last arrived. 
The king, the court, the clergy, the national assembly, a de- 
putation of military from the eighty-three departments, and 
a body of people amounting to above four hundred thousand 
souls, were assembled in the magnificent amphitheatre of the 
Champ-de-Confederation. The king had been appointed, for 
that day only, supreme and absolute commander of all the 
national guards in France. He named Lafayette as his de- 
legate to perform the functions ; so that he was not only 
commander-in-chief of the national guards of Paris, but high 
*Toulong. p. 219, 220— Mem. Hist- p- 203,207- 



MARCtUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 239 

constable of all the armed men in the kingdom; which was, 
probably, a greater number than had ever before been in any 
kingdom in the world. At this time he occupied a most im- 
portant station indeed ; the eyes of the whole, world were 
fixed upon him. Having the military command over six 
millions of men, and holding in his hands the power of the 
monarchy, a boundless influence, and a devoted army might 
have carried him successfully to the highest grade of power. 
In a word, on him reposed the destinies of France. This 
was the crisis of his reputation ; and from his course at that 
time, his friends and enemies imbibed their opinions of his 
character. There was but one course for Lafayette to pur- 
sue, and that was the support of liberty, of constitutional mo- 
narchy, and of public tranquillity ; and he always held, as it 
were, a magnanimous neutrality between the different par- 
lies, when their projects went beyond the laws of justice and 
moderation. After mass was celebrated by M. de Talleyrand, 
then bishop of Autun, M. de Lafayette dismounted from his 
white charger, and approached the king to receive his orders, 
who delivered to him the form of the oath prescribed for the 
national troops "Is it not Tacitus who remarks," says a 
writer of that period, " speaking of Agricola, that nothing 
heightens the brilliancy of a throne more than to see bend- 
ing before it, the person of a man who possesses a bold and 
noble soul, and who, although yet in his youth, can boast of 
many triumphs ?" M. de Lafayette, as the representative of 
the nation, tool| the oath first, at the altar which had been 
erected in the midst of the arena. When he left the foot of 
the throne, where he had for some time stood, and moved 
toward the altar, the trumpets began to sound, and while he 
ascended its steps, a vast band of martial music continued to 
play. Every eye of the immense mass was turned on him ; 
every hand was raised to join in the oath he uttered. It was, 
no doubt, one of the most magnificent and solemn ceremonies 
the world ever saw ; and, perhaps, no man ever enjoyed the 
sincere confidence of an entire people more completely than 



240 HISTORY OF THE 

Lafayette did, as he thus bore the most imposing part in these 
extraordinary solemnities. — In the view of the multitude who 
tilled the immense circus around, he laid the point of his 
sword upon the bible which was on the table of the altar, 
and raising his hand toward heaven, the music ceased; a 
universal stillness ensued ; and he pronounced the oath : 
" We swear to be for ever faithful to the nation, to the law, 
and to the king ; to maintain, to the utmost of our power, 
the constitution decreed by the national assembly, and ac- 
cepted by the king." The conclusion of this ceremony was 
announced by the discharge of artillery, the reiterated shouts 
of Vive le roi ! vive la nation ! the clanging of arms, and the 
flourishes of warlike instruments ; — and the immense mul- 
titude, who witnessed the oath, united in it with loud and 
long acclamations. — Similar oaths were then taken by the 
president of the national assembly, and the king.* 

Lafayette was, on this day, the grand object of popular 
affection : he inspired the national guards with an exalted 
devotion. The oath, and the man who pronounced it, ex- 
cited a strong feeling of confidence. The spectators felt an 
intoxication of delight : the king and liberty seemed to them, 
at that time, completely united. For Lafayette, it was an 
epoch pregnant with difficulties. The part he played caused 
him to be closely watched by all parties ; but his conduct 
removed all cause for uneasiness, and preserved to him his 
high rank and consideration. The throne feared him ; and 
he had been useful to the throne ; but confidence could ne- 
ver be established between him and the kmg ; and mutual 
advantages were lost, because they never dared to assist each 
other. — But, if the political opinion of Lafayette had been 
different, his power would have fallen to the ground if he 
had ventured to oppose the feeling of the day. Ideas, not 
individuals, were then all-powerful. A limited monarchy 
has always been the true wish of France, but, as madam 

* Stael. Consid. Rev. i. 376— Hist- French Rev. i- 194.— Moore's View- 
ii. 93-5 — Toulong. Hist- i- 222,3, 4 — Mem. Hist 199. 203, 207.— North 
/-^rican Review, No. xlvi p. 161, 2. 



MARftUlS DE LAFAYETTE. 241 

De Stael has well observed, the last movement of a truly 
national enthusiasm was displayed at this federation of 1 790. 
The Jacobins were constantly gaining power, and the revo- 
lution was faUing more and more into the hands of the popu- 
lace. Notwithstanding the good intentions of many who 
took the oath, the ceremony has been considered as the grand- 
est and most extensive act of perjury that heaven and earth 
have ever witnessed. But Lafayette himself, under all cir- 
cumstances, remained strictly faithful to his oaths ; and now 
defended the freedom of the king, as sincerely as he had 
ever defended the freedom of the people. Every subsequent 
act proved his sincerity : every day his situation became more 
dangerous. He might have taken great power to himself, 
and so have been safe. He might have received the sword 
of constable of France, which was once worn by the Mont- 
morencies, but he declined it ; or he might have been gener- 
alissimo of the national guards, who owed their existence to 
him, but he thought it more for the safety of the state that 
no such power should exist.* 

Previous to the confederation, the duke of Orleans desir- 
ed leave to return and assist at this august ceremony, adding, 
that if the assembly should not think it necessary to deliber- 
ate on the subject, he should consider that as a permission 
for his return. The assembly immediately cast their eyes 
toward Lafayette, who ascended the tribune and explained 
his motives for having advised the departure of the duke. — 
The reasons, he added, in his opinion, did still exist, though 
he saw nothing to make him apprehensive, at present, for the 
public safety. The assembly then passed to the order of 
the day, which was construed into a permission, for his re- 
turning to Paris, where he accordingly arrived on the elev- 
enth of July, and after tirst renewing his civic oath in the 
national assembly, assisted personally at the confederation.! 

* North American Review, No. xlvi. p. 161 — Consid- French Rer. 
vol. i. 376.— Toulong. tome i. 227-8. 

t Moore's View, ii. 89, 90 — Hist. French Rev- 1. 196, 196- 
31 



242 HISTORY OF THE 

Three days after the federation, Lafayette received a 
most flattering and affectionate address from the national 
guards of France, signed by more than twelve hundred com- 
mandants, captains, officers, and privates, belonging to all 
departments of the kingdom. " The more," observed these 
deputies of four millions of soldiers, " you perform for the 
public benefit, the less you desire to receive rewards ; you 
have refused the homage about to be offered from the grate- 
ful hearts of your fellow-citizens ; you endeavour to escape 
from our zeal and our eulogiums ; and you have afforded 
the striking example, that a truly great man can never be- 
lieve that he has performed enough for his country. — The 
deputies of the national guard of France, retire under the 
fear that they will be unable to appoint you their chief; 
they respect the constitutional law which arrests the impulse 
of their hearts ; and the fact that you yourself originated 
that law — that you yourself prescribed limits to the expres- 
sion of our gratitude — ought for ever to cover you with glory. 
But if you cannot be*our chief, you will ever be our friend, 
our guide, and our model : accustomed to behold in you, one 
of'those heroes who have principally contributed to the suc- 
cess of the revolution, we will never forget the great exam- 
ple which you have shown us ; and, should it be possible 
that, at a future day, any attempt shall be made to abuse our 
love of liberty, — should it be possible that that love, so pure 
in its principle, shall give any hopes to the partizans of dis- 
order, — be firm and encouraged : millions of men are armed 
for the defence of the constitution ; miUions of men to par- 
take in your dangers. — As representative of the nation, be, 
sir, always near the legislative assembly, as the pledge of 
our zeal in the execution of its decrees."* 

It is a pleasing part of the duty of the biographer, to re- 
cord the numerous examples, which shed so much lustre on 
the pure and disinterested principles of Lafayette. That 
truly great man steadily resisted the entreaties of the muni • 

* Mem. Hist. p. 292. 



MARCIUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 243 

eipality of Paris, which required him to accept the compen- 
sation legally granted to him as the commander of the national 
guard. In September, 1790, the president of the Commune, 
at length addressed a letter to Lafayette, in which he de- 
clared and reiterated in the most positive manner, that it was 
the intention of the assembly no longer to permit him to re- 
fuse the indemnity which was legally and unavoidably his 
due, for the immense expenditures which he had been obli- 
ged to make in the eminent situation which the public voice 
had entrusted to him : — that the assembly requested, and (as 
authoritative expressions on their part could not be disagree- 
able to him who had uniformly supported their authority,) it 
understood, that he would receive the necessary indemnities. 
" You may be generous, ' it concluded, " but the city of Paris 
cannot possibly be ungrateful. You have created its felicity 
— it cannot involve you in ruin." — To this letter, general 
Lafayette made the following reply : 

Gentlemen, 

Permit me, while I positively declare that I have received 
nothing, either directly or indirectly, from the municipality 
nor the executive, to add, that I receive a sweet and suffi- 
cient compensation for the trouble occasioned by fulfilling 
the duties of the distinguished situation to which I have been 
called by the voice of the people, in the kind and flattering 
professions with which you have ever deigned to honour me. 
I do not affect a false generosity, in persisting in my refusal : 
I would be disposed, not only to accept, but to demand, to 
solicit, from the people, in whose cause I have devoted my 
fortune and my life, indemnity for my expenditures, if my 
fortune did not raise me above want. — It was considerable j 
it has sufficed for two revolutions ; and if a third should oc- 
cur, for the benefit of the people, it shall belong wholly to it. 

Lafayette. 

A deputation was then appointed to wait on the comman- 
der-in-chief : he remained firm, but respectful in his refusal. 



244 HISTORY OF THE 

His second reply contains sentiments ennobling to human 
nature. " I will observe, gentlemen," said he, " that in this 
moment of troubles, it is difficult to regulate the expenditure 
of the commander-in-chief If my personal situation required 
pecuniary aid, I would have demanded it : and I beg you to 
believe, that I do not attach more importance to refusing, 
than to accepting it. But, at a time when so many citizens 
are in want, and so many expenses are necessary, it is repug- 
nant to my feelings uselessly to increase them. My fortune 
is sufficient for the rank I hold. — After this declaration, gen- 
tlemen, I confine myself simply to the request, that the one 
hundred thousand Hvres added for the current year, to the 
forty thousand crowns, may contribute to the comfort and 
relief of those who have most severely suffered for their 
country." In the same communication, he declared that the 
compensation of the commander-in-chief, fixed at one hun- 
dred and twenty thousand livres, was excessive, and ought to 
be diminished.* 

The society of Jacobins, one of the most powerfnl engines 
recurred to during the French revolution, was now beginning 
to dictate laws to the assembly itself " From the moment," 
says madame De Stael, " that we admit into a government, 
a power that is not legal, it invariably ends by becoming the 
strongest." The Jacobin clubs, (for there were no less than 
twenty thousand affiliated clubs in France,) were organised 
as a government more than the government itself : they pass- 
ed decrees ; they were connected by correspondence in the 
provinces, with other clubs not less powerful; and, finally, 
they could be considered only as a mine, always ready to 
blow up existing institutions, when opportunities should offer. 
But its incendiary motions and outrageous proceedings, and 
the equivocal characters of many of the ruling members, had 
cast an indelible stain on a society which, after efficaciously 
and usefully counterbalancing the influence of the court, was 
now likely, at no distant period, to endanger the fabric of 

* Mem. Hist. p. 178—184. 



MARQUIS DB LAFAYETTE. ^45 

national liberty. M. de Lafayette and his partizans would 
not, therefore, consent to go to a club, whose leaders scarcely 
concealed their wishes to dethrone the king, and either no- 
minate a new dynasty to the throne, or erect a republic on 
its ruins. To balance the influence of the Jacobin club, 
they instituted a rival society under the name of the " club 
of 1789," in which the friends of order and liberty were ex- 
pected to meet. The principal leaders of this club, on its 
establishment, were Lafayette, Talleyrand, the dukes de 
Rouchefoucault, and Liancourt, the two Lameths ; and many 
other celebrated orators, patriots, and politicians. When 
they became more numerous, they were better known by the 
title of Feuillans, from the convent of that name, in which 
they assembled. Their former associates, the Jacobins, per- 
ceiving them to be formidable, affected to wish for a reunion, 
and accordingly sent a deputation for that purpose ; but the 
Feuillans decidedly rejected the proposition ; a circumstance 
which their rivals well knew how to turn to their advantage, 
and soon found means not only to render them suspected by 
the people, but even, at length, to annihilate them as a deli- 
berative body. These two formidable societies evinced a 
rooted hatred to each other. The friends of order and of the 
constitution, were unable to resist the intolerant spirit which 
soon involved France in blood and calamity; and when, at 
last, the monarchy was dissolved, the blood of the advocates 
of liberty flowed on the same scaffold that had received the 
victims of aristocracy ; and the founders of the republic be- 
gan to proscribe each other with an envenomed rancour, 
that admitted neither of compromise nor of mercy. Lafayette 
himself became the victim of Jacobinical fury, and of the free 
and rational principles, which caused him steadily to oppose 
the growing power of the Jacobin society.* 

In the beginning of the year 1791, the spirit of sedition 
seemed to augment every moment, and would no doubt have 

*. Consid. French Rev. i. 398— Stephen's Hist Wars French Rev. i. 
Introd. cix< — ^x. 



246 HISTORY OF THE 

produce^ very dreadful effects, had it not been for the steady 
conduct of Lafayette, and the national guards acting under 
his orders. It is impossible to unfold the motives of every 
insurrection which occurred during the revolution. Some, 
which were begun in consequence of premeditated plans, 
failed, from the error or weakness of the conductors : some 
arose from mere accident, independent of any regular scheme, 
and became formidable from being considered as the result 
of profound design and extensive conspiracy. On the twenty- 
eighth of February, 1791, the jealousy and dissatisfaction of 
the public were unfortunately increased by a rumour which 
prevailed, that the castle of Vincennes was intended to re- 
place the Bastile. It is uncertain whether this idea origi- 
nated with the rabble, or was suggested by men who had 
some view in it, which afterwards failed : but, on the day 
mentioned a large body of men set out from the Fauxbourg 
St. Antoine, with the avowed intention of destroying the 
castle of Vincennes. This mob was led by Santerre, a 
brewer of that suburb, who had endeavoured to supplant 
Lafayette in the good graces of the people : indeed, being a 
coarse, rough, man, he seemed more fit for the confidence 
of men, whose professed aim it was to level all distinctions, 
and who, therefore, required a commander who was hearty 
in the cause of anarchy. Santerre commanded a division of 
the national guard, and the riot of Vincennes served to show 
the two parties in their proper colours. Lafayette, the su- 
perior officer, opposed himself to the demolition, and Santerre 
opposed himself to Lafayette. A detachment of national 
guards which had been immediately sent to the spot, and 
drawn up for the protection of the castle, became, from their 
artful remonstrances and entreaties, more disposed to assist 
than to repel the rioters. Lafayette, having heard that the 
work of destruction was begun, and the troops passive, re- 
paired in person to Vincennes, expostulated with the soldiers, 
and brought them to a sense of their duty. He then ordered 
them to attack the rabble without firing on them. Sixty were 



MARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 247 

seized, and the rest dispersed. Many of the latter hastily 
repaired to the Fauxbourg St. Antoine, exciting the populace 
to rescue the prisoners. Lafayette, being told that it would 
be dangerous to march through that quarter of Paris, as the 
people were in insurrection, placed the prisoners in the mid- 
dle, some field-pieces in front, and marched his troops^ 
(with some municipal officers at the head of the column,) 
directly through the Fauxboui^ St. Antoine to the Hotel- de- 
Viile ; and, while the mob insulted his troops with their ex- 
clamations, and even wounded one of his aids-de-camp, and 
some of the soldiers, by throwing stones, he lodged the prison- 
ers in the Conciergerie, without farther bloodshed.* 

Lafayette having thus decisively quelled the insurrection 
of the populace, found, on his return to Paris, that it was a 
necessary duty to oppose himself to the indiscreet friends 
of the king, who had created a great disturbance at the Tu- 
illeries during his absence. He found that the apartments 
were filled with several hundred armed men, who had been 
admitted at a private door, by the first gentleman of the 
king's bed-chamber, and unknown to the national guards on 
duty at the palace. They declared that, fearing for the royal 
safety, they had assembled for the defence of the king ; but 
the latter rebuked their indiscreet zeal ; and, to satisfy the 
national guard, who were peculiarly irritated at their inter- 
ference, he ordered that the intruders should be disarmed 
and dismissed. If this ceremony was performed a little 
roughly by the national guards, to the great displeasure of 
many who thought such treatment an ungrateful return for 
the zeal they had manifested, it must be ascribed to the jeal- 
ous feeUngs which they had created. Lafayette himself did 
not arrive at the palace until after the order for disarming 
the intruders was issued ; but he was exposed to the angry 
personal attacks directed against him by the suflfering party. 
A part of the day had been employed in quelling the designs 

* Moore's View, ii. 125, 6, 7.— Hist Jacob, i. 270, 3 — Hist. French 
Rev. i. 215. 



248 HISTORY OF THE 

of the king's enemies, and it was now as necessary to oppose 
the king's friends. He found himself engaged in a quarrel 
with those of his own rank ; and, before the eyes of his na- 
tional guard, it was necessary to show, and even to affect, a 
rigour and severity which might attach no doubt to his con- 
duct and opinions. This assemblage in the king's apartments, 
was variously stated to have been connected with external 
plans, of which Lafayette alone was ignorant, or, more prob- 
ably, to have derived its source from the anxiety of some 
individuals for the king's safety.* 

The singular occurrences of the twenty-eighth of Febni- 
ary created general distrust, and when the king signified his 
intention of passing the Easter holidays at St. Cloud, the 
populace considered it as foreboding the flight of the king, 
and a counter-revolution. The king, however, persisted in 
his design, and on the eighteenth of April went into his coach, 
accompanied by the queen, the dauphin, and the princess 
Elizabeth. The populace immediately surrounded the car- 
riage, and clamorously insisted on their majesties' return ; 
but as they were surrounded by numerous detachments of 
the national guards, the king ordered the postillions to drive 
on : instead of keeping off the crowd, the guards closed be- 
fore the horses, threatened the postillions if they should dare 
to proceed, and swore they would not permit the royal fa- 
mily to leave Paris. The king's domestic servants, and 
other officers of his household, were mal-treated, and the 
most insulting and abusive expressions were directed against 
the queen. Bailly, the mayor, hastened to the Tuilleries to 
suppress the disorder ; — but he was not listened to. La- 
fayette ordered the national guards to open to the right and 
left, to clear away the multitude, and allow the king's coach 
to pass. He was not obeyed. In vain did they oppose this 
frenzy. A set of orators, better adapted to the ears of 
the common people, exclaimed, " If the king escapes, there 

» Moore's View, ii. 128-9, I30.—Toulong. Hist, i, 268-9- 



MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 249 

will be a civil war, and the streets of Paris will be deluged 
with the blood of the citizens." The national guard refused 
to act : " We know," said the grenadiers, " that we are vio- 
lating the law ; but the safety of the country is the first of 
laws." — In short, the king and royal family, after having 
been nearly two hours in the coach, exposed to the insults 
and derision of the multitude and of the mutinous soldiery, 
were under the necessity of getting out of the carriage and 
walking to the palace, amidst the groans, hootings, and hisses 
of the multitude. Lafayette had arrived, at the first sugges- 
tion of danger. " If," said he to the king, " this be a matter 
of conscience with your majesty, we will, if it be necessary 
die to maintain it ;" and he offered immediately to open a 
passage by force ; but the king declined a resort to arms.* 

The writers of all parties have done justice to the spirit 
and propriety which distinguished the conduct of Lafayette 
on this occasion. Disgusted at the shameful scene on the 
eighteenth, he sent in his resignation, observing, that since 
the national guards would no longer obey, he must cease to 
retain a command which was merely nominal. This event 
was no sooner known than all Paris was seized with a gene- 
ral consternation; nor could all the machinations of Lafay- 
ette's enemies prevent their soliciting, in a body, and under 
circumstances the most respectful to him, that he would re- 
assume the command. It then appeared how much he was 
beloved by the troops which he commanded. All the bat- 
talions assembled, and appointed deputations to the general, 
expressing sorrow for their past conduct, and promising im- 
plicit obedience to his orders in future. They also sent de- 
putations to the municipality and to the department entreat- 
ing them to join in soliciting the general to resume the com- 
mand. — The hotel of Lafayette was filled with these different 
deputations, from the time that he had given in his resig- 
nation, until the following morning at five o'clock. The 

• Toulon^. Hist. i. 270— 2.— Hist. French Rev. i. 223-4 — North 
Am. Rev. No xlvi, !61. oq 



260 HISTORY OF THE 

street in which his house stood, was crowded with -the troop.:, 
all waiting with impatience for the news of his having yield- 
ed to their entreaties ; but, finding that he still refused, they 
went in crowds to the Hotel-de-Ville, and begged of the mu- 
nicipality to use their influence with the general. The mu- 
nicipality, perceiving that citizens of all the sections joined 
in this request of the national guards, declared that they 
would become responsible for the future obedience of the 
battalions, and entreated the general to yield to the wishes 
of his fellow-citizens. — Lafayette expressed a proper sense 
of the honour conferred on him ; adding, that he would not 
presume to give an immediate answer, but would, the follow- 
ing day, attend the municipality at the Hotel-de-Ville, and 
then deliver to them his sentiments. Accordingly, he ap- 
peared in the common hall at ten o'clock, where he found 
all the representatives of the common council, with deputies 
from all the battalions of national guards, assembled, and 
pronounced a discourse equally distinguished for modesty 
and good sense. He placed in a strong point of view, the 
horror which every enlightened citizen must have felt, at be- 
holding those whose duty it was to support the laws, oppose 
their execution. He added, that if the capital, which was 
the cradle of the revolution, instead of respecting and obey- 
ing the executive powers, should besiege them with tumults, 
and fatigue them with insults, it would, from being the ho- 
notired example, become the terror, of the French nation ; 
and that, in the marks of regard with which his fellow-citi- 
zens had honoured him, too much attention had been paid to 
an individual, but not enough to the laws : "In the affecting 
marks of attachment," said he, " that I have received, too 
much regard is shovm to me, and too little to the laws. ! am 
feelingly convinced that my comrades love me ; but I am 
still to learn, how far they are attached to those principles on 
which liberty is founded." — And he concluded by refusing to 
resume the command. 

When the refusal, and the observations, of the general. 



MAHUUIS D£ LAFAY£TT£. 251 

became known, it was resolved that each battalion should 
assemble the following day, and make a declaration of their 
sentiments on the subject pointed out in his discourse. This 
was accordingly done by all the different regiments ; and, in 
their declarations, instead of expressing attachment to their 
general, and wishes that he should resume the command, 
they spoke solely of their submission to the law, their zeal 
for the constitution, and their resolution to obey the com- 
mander-in-chief, without once mentioning the name of La- 
fayette. — The municipality, having verified the declarations 
of the troops, decreed, that the mayor, at the head of a de- 
putation of eight members of the common council, should 
wait on the general, and represent to him, that it would en- 
danger the state if he persisted in his first resolution, and 
that the greatest proof of patriotism he could give, would be 
to resume the command. — It was impossible longer to resist. 
Lafayette returned thanks to the mayor and the deputation 
in becoming terms : and the day following, having resumed 
the command, he expressed his sense of the honour done 
him by the various corps; and, being then on the parade be- 
fore the Hotel-de-Ville, he proposed, that they should go in 
a body to the king, taking with them all their comrades 
whom they might meet, and express their sorrow and re- 
pentance for what was past, and renew to his majesty, their 
declaration of allegiance. This proposal was directly adopt- 
ed : Lafayette conducted them to the Tuilleries ; addressed 
the king, in the name of all the national guards, in the terms 
which had been agreed on ; received a gracious reception 
and answer from the monarch, and, as soon as this was 
known, the troops expressed their satisfaction by repeated 
exclamations of "Vive le Roi ! Vive le Restaurateur de la 
Liberte Francaise ! Vive le Petit-Fils de Henri IV !"* 

This return of the national guards to a sense of their duty, 
was highly provoking to a set of men who, unhappily for 
France, were at this time concentrated in the capital, and 

* Moore's View, ii. 167, 171— Hist. French Rev- i. 224. 



252 HISTORY OF THE 

who were continually endeavouring to create discord and 
confusion. The instrumentality of Lafayette in effecting this 
object, increased the odium in which he was held by the 
fomenters of anarchy ; and his agency in the dismission of 
fourteen soldiers of the national guard, who had been par- 
ticularly active in promoting the mutiny of the eighteenth, 
gave a fresh and violent impulse to their enmity. The dis- 
carded soldiers were feasted, and treated as persecuted pa- 
triots ; while Lafayette was accused as an enemy of liberty 
and of being bought by the court. Emissaries were also em- 
ployed to blacken his character and misrepresent his con- 
duct, among the groups of idlers in the places of public re- 
sort. Placards were posted up, and pamphlets published 
against him. At the Cordeliers, some men were heard to 
declare, that it would be meritorious to assassinate him : and, 
at the Fraternal Society, a woman, tired by the eloquence 
of these orators, and intoxicated with the spirit of patriotism, 
called. him, among other bad names, a second Sisera, and 
swore that she would take the earliest opportunity of enter- 
ing his house, and driving a nail into his temples while he 
was asleep.* 

The capital was now kept in a continual state of agitation 
by the daring and unprincipled men, who had the direction 
of the numerous incendiary societies ; until at length, the 
unhappy monarch, being in dread of the utmost violence 
from the increasing rancour of his enemies, resolved to en- 
deavour to escape with his family, out of the kingdom, or, at 
least, to a garrisoned town on the frontiers. On the night 
of the twentieth of June, 1791, the royal family left the pa- 
lace in disguise, by a private issue which communicated with 
the Carousel, crossed the Pont Royal, and, on the Quai des 
Theatins, found the carriages which were waiting for them. 
At Chalons, the king was recognised by the post-master, who, 
being a royaHst, did not betray him ; but at St. Menehould, 
the decisive blow was struck. He was there fully known by 
* Moore's View, ii- 172, 3. 



MARCIUIS DB LAFAYETTE. '25 

Drouet, a frantic revolutionist, who instantly determined to 
prevent his escape : he, however, allowed him to proceed 
to the next post, but despatched a courier, with the intelli- 
gence, to Varennes. Here the unhappy prince was arrested, 
and conducted, amid the most excessive insult and torments, 
back to his capital. 

The greatest agitation followed the flight of the king, and 
when this unexpected news was communicated to the as- 
sembly, Lafayette was accused as the author of the plot; 
But he was defended by Barnave; and the assembly deputed 
six commissaries, with orders to rescue him from the hands 
of the mob, who threatened him with death. Lafayette was 
not a participator in that ill-judged event ; nor, to such a 
man, were the powers of six commissaries at all necessary. 
But it cannot be denied that the general was placed in a 
most critical situation, and that it required all his popularity 
to preserve his life. The king not having entrusted any one 
with his secret, no one felt himself called upon to defend him, 
and the cote-droit of the assembly, doubly injured by not 
having been informed of the plan, and by being left exposed 
to danger, openly complained of the monarch : thus all par- 
ties endeavoured to excite the spirit of the people, who, not 
knowing whom to blame, naturally directed their violence 
against the mayor and commander-in-chief, as negligent or 
faithless guardians of the pubhc peace. Lafayette was 
placed in imminent peril : the fury of the populace against him 
was extreme, and nothing but the long and soUd confidence 
which they had reposed in him, could have averted the first 
transports of their rage — The king left the palace about 
midnight ; but Lafayette was ignorant of his departure until 
six o'clock in the morning. He immediately wrote to a few 
friends whom he requested to meet at the Hotel-de-la-Roche- 
foucalt, and then repaired to the Hotel-de-Ville. The fury 
of the people subsided, when they perceived the tranquillity 
and firmness with which he advanced alone, amid the shouts 
and roarings of a prodigious crowd. But uneasiness and m- 



HISTORY OF THE 254 

decision still prevailed, and some observations on the misfor- 
tune that had happened, which seemed to require an answer 
from Lafayette, furnished him with the opportunity of say- 
ing to those who complained, " If you call this event a mis- 
fortune, what name would you give to a counter-revolution 
which would deprive you of liberty ?" This observation re- 
vived the boldness of the discontented ; and several voices 
cried out, " Let us make Lafayette our king ;" all within hear- 
ing clamorously repeated this observation. Lafayette, re- 
garding them with a mingled look of pity and indignation, 
exclaimed, " / thought that you possessed a better opinion of 
me. What have I done, that you do not believe me ft for 
something better ?" Thereupon, the air was filled with loud 
shouts of " Long live the general /" and confidence and tran- 
quillity were re-established. At this moment, the six com- 
missaries arrived to protect him ; but they found him suffi- 
ciently fixed in the public opinion to refuse any measures 
for his personal safety. — In the same hour, Lafayette was also 
attacked in the assembly : a member (Rewbell) remarked, 
immediately after the six commissaries were despatched to 
rescue the general, " M. de Lafayette is about to appear, 
and I request that he may be asked, whether he did not 
give, a month since, to the officers on guard in the palace, 
the counter-sign not to permit any one to pass out after mid- 
night : there must have been some motive for this precaution* 

and we ought to know if ." Here the speaker was 

interrupted by Barnave, who said, " I demand that the as- 
sembly shall no longer suffer this discourse to be continued, 
and that it be not permitted to raise injurious surmises re- 
specting men who have continually afforded proofs of their 
patriotism. Circumstances may arise, in which it is easy to 
cast suspicions on the sentiments of the best citizens ; but 
the conduct of the commander of the national guard, since 
the commencement of the revolution, is a sufficient pledge 
that he merits all our confidence. It is our duty to testify 
it toward him, in the most signal manner." — Never was a 



MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 255 

vindication more triumphant, nor more generous. Barnave 
was at this time, and had long been, on ill terms with Lafay- 
ette, and the rupture between them was notorious. It had 
excited considerable interest, and all correspondence had 
ceased between the parties. It was a truly republican mo- 
tive which urged Barnave to undertake the defence of one 
who was absent, and inculpated in so grave an offence, when 
the defender might have exposed himself to the suspicions 
which it was attempted to cast on the commander-in-chief. 
This just and generous action overpowered the assembly, 
and arrested an accusation, which would doubtless have 
been repeated, if the first had been received. 

Lafayette was also openly accused by Danton in the Jaco- 
bin club, of having assisted the flight of the king. He was 
defended by Lamith ; but, for a long time, vague suspicions 
rested on the conduct of the general. At that period, one 
party accused him of holding intelligence with the court ; 
and the opposite side accused him of duplicity, having, as 
they said, caused the king to be arrested, aftei having facili- 
tated his departure. " It is possible and probable," says Tou- 
longeon, " that he winked at the departure of the queen, and 
that he was ignorant of that of the king. A great number 
of the best men desired the removal of the queen, as the 
only means of saving the king, herself, and the monarchy." 
It is true that he despatched a messenger after the royal fa- 
mily ; and he could not possibly do otherwise, circumstanced 
as he was at that period : had he not done it, Paris would 
again have been devoted to the most dreadful outrages. His 
aid-de-camp, however, did not reach Varennes until after the 
royal fugitives had been arrested. When they returned to 
Paris, it was principally owing to the zeal, the courage, and 
the magnanimity of Lafayette, that they were not immedi- 
ately destroyed. It was owing to him, that Paris was not a 
scene of horrible confusion : he had the boldness to declare 
in a debate in the national assembly, " that if any violence 
was offered to the king, he would, at the head of the national 



256 HISTORY OF THE 

guards, proclaim Louis the seventeenth, king ;" and this once 
more silenced the fury of democracy in Paris, and restored 
order and submission to legislative authority. If the charge 
of having instigated the royal family to escape, for the pur- 
pose of afterwards arresting them, were founded in fact, no 
odium could be too great, no obloquy could attach a suffi- 
ciently just«liiprehension, for so cold-blooded a piece of du- 
plicity But 'the proof of his innocence is so incontrover- 
tible, so positive and direct, that the mention of it must 
stamp an indelible impression on the mind of every man, 
and clear him entirely from so foul a calumny. The test 
of his innocence was the unfortunate Marie Antoinette, who, 
being asked on her trial, whether Lafayette had connived at 
their escape, positively answered, that he was totally igno- 
rant of it.* 

The assembly was compelled, by the popular ferment, to 
declare that the king should be kept prisoner in the palace 
of the Tuilleries, until the constitution had been presented 
for his acceptance. Lafayette as commander of the national 
guards, had the misfortune of being doomed to carry this 
decree into effect. But if, on the one hand, he placed sen- 
tinels at the gates of the palace, he opposed, on the other, 
with conscientious energy, the party which endeavoured to 
pronounce the king fallen from his throne. He employed 
against those who pressed that measure, the armed force in 
the Champ-de-Mars ; and he thus proved, at least, that it 
was not from views of ambition that he exposed himself to 
the displeasure of the king, as he drew on himself, at the 
same time, the hatred of the enemies of the throne.! On 
the motion of Lafayette in the assembly, a general amnesty 
was subsequently granted to all those who had participated 
in the king's journey, or committed what could be called po- 

* Stael Consid. French Rev. i. 410-1 1— Hist French Rev. i. 227— 
233. — Wars French Rev- i. Introd. xcii. — Etienne Rev. 156 — 160. — 
Senator, ix. 645, 659 — Moore's View, ii. 206— Quart. Rev- xxviii, 305 
_8.— Toulong. Hist- ii- b- 28, Ap. 59, 115- 

f Stael Consid. i- 423. 



MAKQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 257 

iitical offences : he also obtained a decree, enabling every 
individual to leave France, and return, without a passport. 
The unanimity which generally prevailed throughout 
France, from the time of the king's return to his acceptance 
of the constitution, was interrupted by a short, but dis- 
graceful, riot at Paris. Several efforts had been unsuccess- 
fully made by ill-disposed people to disturb the public tran- 
quillity ; but on the morning of the seventeenth of July, 
1791, the magistrates were alarmed by the report that a 
large body of seditious persons were about to assemble in 
the Champ-de-Mars, the professed object of whom was to 
petition against the re-establishment of the king, a measure 
which the Jacobin club had been very active to promote. A 
great crowd of people flocked to the altar of the federation, 
which had not yet been removed, there to sign the remon- 
strance, followed by a declaration that they never would 
submit to be governed by Louis the sixteenth. At ten 
o'clock, M. de Lafayette arrived on the spot, and caused the 
barricades which had been erected, to be destroyed. — A 
wretch, named Fournier, had the audacity to fire at him, 
with a pistol, pointed almost at his breast : the man was in- 
stantly seized, but Lafayette, with a false generosity, per- 
mitted him to be released, and he afterwards boasted of the 
act at the bar of the convention. At length, the municipal 
officers who accompanied the general, obtained a promise 
from the mob that they would disperse ; and a body of 
national guards was stationed to prevent their reassembling. 
Several hours after, the municipality, who had met at the 
Hotel-de-Ville, were informed that the ferment was increa- 
sing, and that menacing plans against the national assembly 
were in agitation. At the same time, it was stated that two 
unfortunate persons, who had secreted themselves under 
the altar on which the signatures were received, had been 
murdered by the mob. Martial law was now formally pro- 
claimed ; and a red flag was displayed from a window of 
the Hotel-de-Ville. Lafayette immediately collected th6 



258 HISrOKV OF THE 

national guard, and accompanied by the municipal authori- 
ties, marched to the Champ-de-Mars. They found it crowd- 
ed by a furious multitude, who, instead of dispersing, in- 
sulted the troops with loud cries of " A has le drapeau rouge! 
A has Ics bayonettts /" Stones were thrown at the troops and 
municipal officers, in volleys. M. Bailly, the mayor, desi- 
red the troops to halt, and, after the formalities which the 
law required, Lafayette ordered part of them to fire over the 
heads of the mob. When they perceived that none were 
wounded, it confirmed them in an opinion which they had 
formed, that neither the general nor the mayor had any in- 
clination to hurt them, and that they durst not fire with ball. 
From this idea they became more outrageous ; the soldiers 
and some of the officers of the guards, were wounded ; and 
they now received orders to fire with ball. Ten or twelve 
of the mob were killed, and a considerable number wound- 
ed. — The energy displayed by Lafayette in quelling this 
commotion, was generally approved of, and heartily so by 
the national assembly : a greater degree of order and tran- 
quillity than had been known for some time before in Paris, 
was the consequence of it.* 

On the thirteenth of September, 1791, the constituent 
assembly closed, and was succeeded by the legislative as- 
sembly. Not only Lafayette, but the Lameths, Adrien Du- 
port, Barnave, and other sincere friends of the constitution, 
which had now been accepted by the king, could not be 
members of the second assembly, by that most impolitic de- 
cree which excluded all who had been members of the first. 
Lafayette, particularly from the arrest and imprisonment of 
the king, was become more than ever the object of hatred 
to the loyalists; and as to the Jacobins, he had already pro- 
voked all their fury by his conduct toward the duke of Or- 
leans, and from his causing the companies of the insui^ent 
regiments at Nanci, who were coming to Paris to raise the 

• Toulon^:. Hist. ii. 53—4 — Hist Frencli Rev. I 236.— Moore's 
View, ii. 23T. 



MAR(IUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 259 

populace, to be arrested. From that moment the Jacobins 
attacked him with increasing violence : then Corypheus Ma- 
rat, author of the " Friend of the People," constantly de- 
nounced him as the traitor Lafayette. The affair of the 
Champ-de-Mars brought this rage to its height : the repub- 
lican party which then began to manifest itself, already wish- 
ed to bring the king to trial, and united with the Jacobins, 
in opposition to Lafayette and the friends of the constitu- 
tion. After the open attempt to assassinate their genera], 
the national guard, especially the old French guard, grew 
furious : they imprecated the Jacobins, wished to destroy 
by a cannonade the club, which they called a cavern, and 
disperse the people who frequented it. But Lafayette con- 
sistently opposed, and allayed, the ferment. 

When the constitution of 1791, was accepted by the king 
in the spirit of Washington, he resigned all command, alleg- 
ing that the emergency which required his services, was now 
over, and that, as he derived his powers from the revolution, 
those powers ought to cease with it. His situation in the 
national guards, which he had now completely organized 
according to his original project, was filled by temporary 
commanders. The municipality of Paris caused a medal 
of gold to be struck in his honour, and presented him with 
a sword, and a marble bust of Washington. He had sacri- 
ficed a large part of his fortune for the revolution, but mag- 
nanimously declined any remuneration for his losses. La- 
fayette now retired to his estate of Chavagnac in Auvergne, 
accompanied by the esteem which his generous and disin- 
terested conduct so well deserved. He was followed, as he 
had been for many years, by crowds wherever he went, and 
attended on his way by every form of popular enthusiasm 
and admiration.* 

Not long after this retirement, a circumstance occurred 
which served to put in motion the two parties which were 

* Nat. Gaz- Feb. 3, Sep. 13, 1824 — Moore's ViCTV^, ii. 24«.— ToulMg. 
Hist. ii. 94, Ap. 25— Biog. Notice, p. 10. 



260 HISTORY OF THE 

shortly to divide the kingdom, the constitutionalists and the 
republicans ; and the event might have shown in whose fa- 
vour the balance was likely to preponderate. The mayor- 
alty of the judicious and patriotic M. Bailly, terminated in 
the month of November, 1791 ; and the once popular Lafay- 
ette appeared as a candidate to succeed him. He was oppo- 
sed by Petion, a violent Jacobin, and a declared republican, 
on the one side, and, the king and queen, being prejudiced 
against him, by the whole influence of the court, on the 
other. It is almost unnecessary to state the issue of this 
unequal contest, and to add that Petion was elected mayor 
of Paris by a great majority. The small number of votes 
that Lafayette obtained was the source of great surprise to 
many people, when they considered his ardour in pursuit of 
the revolution, and his services to the people of Paris, which 
ought to have entitled him to their peculiar countenance 
and protection. But melancholy experience had evinced 
the increasing credit and power of the Jacobins, and it was 
evident that that pernicious society had not only gained the 
ascendancy over the minds of the populace, but was enab- 
led to control even the assembly itself The government, 
in fact, was in their hands, if that may be called a govern- 
ment where the people are without control, and called to 
account for none of their actions ; — a government from 
which it was time for all honest men to retire.* 

Quid est CatuUe quod moraris emori .'' 
Sella in curuli struma Nonius aedet, 
Per consiilatum pejerat Vatinius ; 
Quid est CatuUe quod moraris emori ? 

From the happy tranquillity to which he now gladly turn- 
ed, Lafayette was soon called by the war with Austria, de- 
clared April twentieth, 1792, in which he was, at once, ap- 
pointed one of the three major-generals to command the 
.French armies : he soon after obtained the rank of lieuten- 

* Bertrand's Mem. i.259 — Letters from Paris, ii. SOS. —Hist Frencb 
Rot. i. 263-4 — Toulongeon, ii. 94. 



/ 



MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 261 

ant-general, and finally that of marshal of France, with a 
red ribband. Having received from the king the command 
of the army of the centre, destined to cover the frontier of 
Ardennes, he took the field in the beginning of May, 1792. 
Lafayette, together with Rochambeau and Luckner, had 
been previously summoned to Pahs, to consult with the 
council ; and Lafayette had greatly interested himself in 
bringing about a reconciliation among the ministers, whose 
dissensions had an evil effect on the public mind, and were 
likely to produce fatal consequences to the king. Notwith- 
standing the infamous combination of tyrants, at the treaty 
of Pilnitz, and the provocation which had been given to the 
French nation, Lafayette was one of those who thought it 
would have been more politic to have been less precipitate, 
and to have compelled Austria to appear, in every view, in 
the character of an aggressor. Such was the opinion of a 
man, whose judgment was in general sound, and whose pa- 
triotism none but a violent and desperate faction has ever 
presumed to question. But, placed by the unanimous voice 
of his country at the head of the arms of France, he pre- 
pared to repel the invaders. 

Three separate bodies of troops were formed along the 
frontiers, from Switzerland to Dunkirk, under the direction 
of three commanders, enjoying not only the reputation of 
great military talents, but also the confidence of the nation : 
these were Lafayette, Rochambeau, and Luckner. Lafay- 
ette, who commanded the army of the centre, fixed his head 
quarters at Metz, and occupied Nancy, Thionville, and Lune- 
ville : he had upwards of twenty thousand men at his dis- 
posal, and was so posted as to continue the line of defence 
from the Meuse to the Moselle. The general officers under 
his command were De Wittgeinstein, De Bellemont, Crillon, 
Parquet, and Defranc. It was a part of the plan concerted 
in the French cabinet, that all the troops should be in mo- 
tion about the same time, and form, if possible, a general 
rendezvous in the centre of the Austrian Netherlands. — 
Agreeably to this plan, Lafayette was to be at Givet by the 



262 HISTORY OF THE 

thirtieth of April ; and, although the orders only reached 
him on the twenty-fourth, and though he was in most re- 
spects very ill-appointed, he was, by great exertions, enabled 
to provide seventy-eight pieces of cannon by the twenty- 
sixth, and, on the same day, despatched a large body with 
the convoy of artillery, to penetrate by forced marches to 
Givet. On the first of May, Lafayette's advance took post 
at Bouvines, half way to Namur, and every thing appeared 
to promise success to the expedition. But the failure of 
the other parts of the grand army rendered it utterly fruit- 
less, though Fayette continued to retain his post, and even 
slowly to advance upon the enemy. On the twenty-third 
of May, his advanced guard, under M. Gouvion, was attack- 
ed at Hamphine, near Florennes, by a force, as it afterwards 
appeared, superior to his own, which only amounted to three 
thousand men. The Austrian advanced guard was twice 
repulsed ; but M. Gouvion, observing the great superiority 
of the enemy, effected a retreat with the greatest regularity. 
The next action in which this army was engaged took place 
on the eleventh of June, when the Austrians attacked the 
advanced guard of Lafayette, at Griselle, near Maubeuge ; 
but M. Gouvion, aware of their design, began a retreating 
fight, in which his infantry was constantly covered by the 
hedges, and the enemy's columns suffered considerably from 
his cannon. As soon as the news arrived at the camp, La. 
fayette sent M. Narbonne with a considerable reinforcement 
on the flank of the enemy, while he himself advanced with 
the main army. The Austrians abandoned the field, and a 
part of their killed and wounded, to the French, who pur- 
sued them more than a league beyond the ground of their 
advanced guard, which again took possession of its former 
post. Though this action was crowned with victory, it was 
yet unfortunate for France, as it deprived the nation of one 
of its ablest generals and firmest patriots ; Gouvion, the bo- 
som-friend of Fayette both in America and Europe, was 
killed by the oblique stroke of a reflected ball.* 

"^ Hist. Freacb Rev. ii. 6. 13.— 14.— Bert Mem- ii- 59, ei.—Wari 
Rev. i. 7, 9, 10— Toulong. Hist. ii. 120. 



MARQUIS DB LAFAYETTE. 263 

At this period, the voice of Lafayette was again heard 
crying out in the cause of justice and humanity. He had 
commenced a reorganization of the army, improved the dis- 
cipHne, introduced simpUcity in the mihtary administration, 
formed bodies of light artillery, established military councils, 
and courts-martial ; and in a word, he had exerted all his 
abilities in disciplining his troops, and supplying their neces- 
sities. But the treatment of prisoners had been such as to 
call forth his loudest censure, until prisoners of war were 
placed, by an express law, under the safe-guard of the na- 
tion. " The infamous conduct," said Lafayette in his des- 
pat-ches to the minister of war, " which has been exercised 
toward prisoners of war, demands, sir, exemplary vengeance. 
It is not the enemy, but the French army, that demands it. 
The universal indignation which reigns among us, authorizes 
me to declare, that brave soldiers are unwilling to fight, if 
their vanquished enemies are to be cast into the fangs of 
cowardly cannibals."* 

Ai this period, the thread of court intrigue was se ravel- 
led, that history can hardly follow it : the unhappy king was 
successively, the object, the tool, and the victim, of it. Too 
suspicious to abandon himself to any party, and too feeble 
to master them all, — the Girondists offered him their servi- 
ces — the Mountain threatened him — the Jacobins openly 
insulted him — the Feuillans obeyed him with fear and with- 
out confidence — the secret council of the queen promised 
to baffle them all — and foreign agents, watching all parties, 
having spies in all, knowing every thing, and opposing each 
other, were alone successful in their aim, — to create disor- 
der and destruction. Open war was declared between the 
legislative and the executive powers ; and was pushed to 
such an extremity, that Lafayette, who had now become 
the butt of every faction, believed it his duty to make a pow- 
erful effort, and prove the strength of his former popularity. 
"Violences, of almost every degree of atrocity, were become 

* Touloijgr. Hist. ii. 125, Ap. 7! 



264 HISTORY OP THC 

common, and that public order, of which he had never ceas- 
ed to speak on all suitable occasions, no longer existed. — 
He felt that, under these circumstances, his silence would 
be an abandonment of the principles to the support of which 
he had devoted his life : and, with a courage which few men 
in any age have been able to show, and with a temperance, 
which has always kept his conduct on one even line, he 
wrote the far-famed letter to the convention, dated from the 
entrenched camp of Maubeuge, sixteenth June, 1792, in 
which he drew a very formidable picture of the dangerous 
situation in which the nation was placed by the attempts of 
its enemies, both foreign and domestic, and plainly and with- 
out reserve, denounced the growing faction of the Jacobins, 
and called on the constituted authorities to put a stop to the 
atrocities which they were openly promoting : " Can you 
dissemble even to yourselves," said he, "that a faction, (and 
to avoid all vague denunciations,) the Jacobin faction, have 
caused all these disorders ? It is that society which I boldly 
denounce : organized like a separate empire in the metropo- 
lis, and in its affiliated societies, and blindly governed by 
some ambitious leaders, this society forms a totally distinct 
corporation in the midst of the French nation, whose powers 
it usurps, by tyrannising over its representatives, and con- 
stituted authorities." In the course of this letter, he dared 
to say, " Let the royal authority be untouched for it is guar- 
anteed by the constitution ; let it be independent, for its in- 
dependence is one of the springs of our liberty ; let the king 
be revered, for he is invested with the majesty of the nation ; 
let him choose a ministry which wears the chains of no fac- 
tion ; and if traitors exist, let them perish under the sword 
of the law." He, at the same time, addressed a letter to 
the king, expressive of similar sentiments.* 

There was not another man in France who would have 
dared to take such a step, at such a time ; and it required 

• Toulong. Hilt, ii- 148—159, Ap. 121 — Hi«t. French Rev. ii. 22 
North Am. Rev. January, 182S, p> 162—3. 



XAlitiUlS D£ LAFAYETTE. 266 

ail Lafayette's vast influence to warrant him in expressing 
such opinions and feehngs, or to protect him afterwards. — 
The agitation produced by this letter was extreme, and the 
proceedings of the disaffected of gloomy portent. At first 
the Jacobins seemed to shrink from a contest with Lafay- 
ette ; they had heretofore spared, because they feared, and 
even hoped to gain, him : hoping no more to be able to tri- 
umph over his principles, they vowed his destruction ; and 
their oaths of that description had never been taken in vain. 
The meeting of the Jacobins on the eighteenth of June, was 
tumultuous and outrageous in the highest degree. They pro- 
posed that Lafayette should be sent to Orleans as a traitor, 
and the most acceptable motion that was made was, that a 
price should be set on his head, and that chaque citoyen put 
courir sus ; — that is to say, that any body that pleased might 
murder him. While such were the debates within doors,, at 
the hall of the Jacobins, their emissaries without were bu- 
sily employed in exciting the people to insurrection, and 
the occurrences of the twentieth of June too plainly evin- 
ced the success of their endeavours. — When Lafayette's let- 
ter was read, Vergniaux represented that the remonstrances 
of a general at the head of an army to the assembly, had 
the appearance of an attempt to overawe the legislature. — 
Gaudet ironically remarked, that the letter was so much in 
the style of Cromwell, that it could not possibly be written 
by Lafayette. They began, therefore, by denying its au- 
thenticity ; they declared it, in short a forgery.* 

On the twentieth of June, the excitement produced by 
the machinations of the Jacobins, broke out in the most dis- 
graceful manner. Twenty thousand men of the lowest rank, 
armed with pikes and lances, marched to the Tuilieries with- 
out knowing why ; — they were ready to commit e\ery crime, 
or could be persuaded to the noblest actions, according to 
the impulse of events, and of their leaders. These twenty 

* North Am. Rev. January, 1825, p. 163— Toulong. Hist ii, 150—1. 
Hist. French Rev. ii. 23.— Moore's Journal, p. 115.— Moore's View. u. 
280-1. »r > 

34 



266 HISl'ORV OF THE 

thousand men made their way into the palace ; and their 
savage oaths mingled with cries, their threatening gestures 
and deadly implements, exhibited a frightful spectacle. — 
Louis XVI. on this day showed all the virtues of a saint, and 
a degree of courage which had been supposed wholly in- 
compatible with his character. The time was past for sa- 
ving himself like a hero ; but neither the threats nor bowl- 
ings of this insolent mob could humble nor intimidate him : 
but he was under the necessity of wearing the red cap, the 
symbol of the Jacobins and the dreadful signal of massacre, 
which was placed on his head by the hands of a man inebri- 
ated with liquor, and ejaculating the most terrible oaths. — 
The assembly, ashamed of its auxiliaries, sent several of the 
deputies to save the royal family ; and, at length, in conse- 
quence of a long and animated speech, delivered by Vergni- 
aud, the populace was persuaded to retire.* 

General Lafayette, indignant at what was passing at Paris, 
left his army to appear at the bar of the assembly, and de- 
mand justice for the terrible day of twentieth June, 1792. 
He was a constitutional general, and whatever prospect of 
success appeared, it was his duty to take that dangerous, but 
patriotic step. He passed two days in securing the position 
of his army during his absence, and set out for Paris. In 
passing through Soissons, he saw the administrative body, 
who praised his devotion to the country, predicted its inu- 
tility, and advised him of his danger. On the twenty-eighth 
of June, he arrived alone, and alighted at the hotel of La 
Rochefoucalt, where he was immediately waited on by sev- 
eral battalions of the national guards. A tree of libert}', 
ornamented with ensigns and cockades was planted before 
his door, and every circumstance evinced the return of af- 
fection in the people to their former friend and benefactor. 
The news of his arrival gave satisfaction to all the lovers 
of order and of the constitution, and struck the Jacobins 
with alarm. It was believed either that his army was in 

* De Stael Consid. vol. ii. 47-8— Wars French Rev. i. 20, 21.-H«t. 
French Rev. ij. 7',. 



MARttUlS DJi LAFA1£TTE. 267 

full march after him, or that he was assured of such sup- 
port in the capital itself, as would enable him to accomplish 
the object of his visit. When the king heard of the demand, 
that he was about to make to the convention, he formed 
very high expectations relative to the success of that meas- 
ure : but they were not of long duration. — Lafayette appear- 
ed at the bar unattended, with that confidence and dignity 
which integrity alone can give. Had the Girondists at this 
time joined him and his friends, they might perhaps still 
have prevented the entrance of foreign troops, and restored 
to the king that constitutional authority which was his due. 
The discourse, pronounced by the general, was replete with 
energy and patriotism, and as strong as the circumstances 
exacted. He avowed his letter of the sixteenth, and assign- 
ed as a reason for his appearance among them, the shame 
and indignation of the army at the outrage of the twentieth, 
which, he Said, must have increased to an alarming degree, 
had he not thought it his duty to moderate their resentment 
against the factions of Paris, by assuring them that he would 
appear alone before the representatives of the nation, and 
demand, in their name, that order, obedience, and respect 
for the laws, should be restored. In the name, therefore, of 
that army, as well as of all good citizens, he demanded " the 
punishment of the instigators and executors of the violence 
of the twentieth, the suppression of the Jacobin societies, 
and that the assembly would take measures for preventing 
all attempts against the constitution from internal enemies, 
while the army was repelling foreign foes from the frontiers." 
He closed his speech by words which well became him ; 
" Such are the representations submitted to the assembly by 
a citizen, whose love for liberty at least, will not be dispu- 
ted." — His discourse was received with applause, and the 
president invited him to the honour of a sitting. The con- 
sternation which prevailed for a short time, was dispelled 
by Gaudet, who stepped quickly to the tribune, and in a 
dexterous discourse, inveighed against the general for leav- 
ing the army, described the distrust which his counsels ought 



268 HISTORV or THfi 

to excite in the legislative assiembly, and desired that the 
minister of war might be questioned whether general Lafay- 
ette had, or had not, obtained permission to leave his post. 
This produced a debate ; and several severe speeches were 
made by those who would have remained over-awed, had not 
Gaudet began in the bold manner he did. The noise and 
cry of question now became pretty general ; — when the 
appeal nominal threw out Gaudet's motion by three hundred 
and thirty-niue against two hundred and thirty-four.* 

This bold step of Lafayette's was attended with no 
success : on the contrary, it served to accelerate his down- 
fall. The Jacobins redoubled their activity in rendering 
him odious to the populace. The name of Cromwell was 
echoed from every press ; but when Gaudet revived the recol- 
lection of the same man, dictating in the name of his army 
laws to the representatives of his country, the assembly were 
perfectly aware that they had neither tyrant nor soldier be- 
fore them, but a virtuous citizen, who could not tolerate 
crime, under whatever banner it might pretend to range itself. 
The efforts of the Jacobins with the mob were effectual, and 
Lafayette, finding, after fruitless efforts to assemble the na- 
tional guards, that no good was to be effected in Paris, left that 
city on the thirtieth of June, and returned immediately to 
his army. Before his departure, he waited on the king, 
who thanked him for the step he had taken, but did not pro- 
fit by his further offers of service. His effigy was burnt the 
same evening at the Palais-Royal ; his conduct was represent- 
ed in the journals as high treason ; he was called a liberticide 
and a second Cromwell, with this difference, that he acted 
in concert with the king against the liberty of the people ; 
and he was accused of having proposed to march with his 
army to Paris. 

When Lafayette reached the army, he found that it, also, 
was now infected : he endeavoured to assure himself of its 

* De Stael Consid. ii. 48, 9 — Toul Hist, ii- 179— Moore's View, ii. 
228 — Bertrand's Mem. ii. 331— Hist. French Rev- ii. 27.— Lett, from 
Paris, ii. 58. 



MARQ,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 269 

fidelity, and proposed to the soldiers to swear anew to the con- 
stitution. A very large proportion refused, and it imme- 
diately became apparent, from the movements, both at 
Paris and in the army, that he was no longer safe. His 
adversaries, who were determined and interested to ruin 
him, were his judges; and they belonged to a party, which 
was never known to devote a victim without consummating 
the sacrifice. It was not long before Brissot prepared to 
denounce him to the assembly, and demand against him a 
decree of accusation ; " I am grieved," he remarked, " at 
this affair, for no one esteems him more than I do ; but why 
has he declared himself hostile to the Jacobins ?" The re- 
sentment of this party appeared, for the present, to be prin- 
cipally directed against Lafayette. His consistency had 
mortally offended these factious spirits ; they had tempted 
him with the highest bribes, and the most splendid promi- 
ses,— but he proved inflexibly attached to the constitutional 
party, and determined to fall with the constitution. The 
spirit which he evinced in his late fruitless journey to Paris, 
determined them to exert themselves to procure his imme- 
diate dismission ; their clubs had been employed for weeks 
in debates on his treason, and innumerable inflammatory ad- 
dresses were presented to the assembly against him. The 
decision upon the charges against Lafayette was deferred to 
the eighth of August, when a long and tumultuous debate 
took place. The report of the committee concluded by pro- 
posing a decree of accusation, and was highly applauded by 
the mob in the galleries. At length the motion for tho 
decree was rejected by four hundred and six voices against 
two hundred and twenty-four. It was evident, from this de- 
cision, that the assembly, weak and incompetent as it was, 
still preserved some share of decency in its character and 
proceedings : but the Jacobins had made their party cer- 
tain; the mob were completely devoted to them, and they 
hoped to carry, by their force, the boldest measures.* The 

* North American Review, January, 1825,— Hist. French Rev. ii.39. 



270 HISTORY Ok- THB 

very day subsequent to the acquittal of Lafayette, (the ninth 
of August,) the assembly, in consequence of the proceedings 
of the Jacobins, declared its sessions " no longer free." 

Meanwhile the general was using his utmost efforts in 
support of constitutional authority. Early in the month 
of August, he despatched one of his aids-de-camp to Paris, 
proposing to the king and royal family to take refuge at 
Compeigne, with he army. This was the best and safest 
course ; but the persons who possessed the confidence 
of the king and queen hated M. de Lafayette as much 
as if he had been an outrageous Jacobin. The aristocrats 
of that time preferred running every risk to obtain the re- 
establishment of the old government, to the acceptance of 
efficient aid under the condition of adopting with sincerity 
the principles of the revolution ; that is, a representative 
government. The offer of Lafayette was then refused, and 
the king submitted to the dreadful risk of awaiting the 
German troops at Paris.* 

The tenth of August, 1792, soon arrived, a day replete 
with horror ; a revolution then overthrew the monanhy, 
and gave a final blow to the power of the constitutional par- 
ty. The palace was stormed hy a furious mob, the n>ost 
atrocious murders committed, the king and the royal fa- 
mily pursued to the national assembly, to which they had 
fled for safety, where the legislative body was compelled to 
supersede the king in order to save his life. For many days 
the phrenzy of the populace raged'with unbounded violence, 
savage and dreadful in its effects. This absurd rage was 
not confined to living objects of resentment. They bar- 
barously demolished every vestige of art which had the re- 
motest relation to monarchy or aristocracy ; among others, 
the bust of Lafayette was sought for, with a ridiculous assi- 
duity, and demolished.t 

• De Stael'a Consid. ii- 56-7— Toulong. Hist. ii. 300.— Bertr. Mem. 
u,333— 5- 

\ Hist French Rev. ii. 00, &c. 



MABQUIS DE LAFATETTE. 271 

The suspension and imprisonment of the king produced 
great astonishment in the armies ; particularly in that com- 
manded by Lafayette, who, by the sudden change of his 
position, appears to have meditated some important project, 
now rendered abortive by the new revolution. He was 
posted, at this critical moment, at Sedan, at the head of 
twenty-eight thousand men. As strenuously opposed to Ihc 
tyranny of the Jacobins, as he was adverse to the despotism 
of the court, the general determined to support, with all 
his enei^ies, the cause of the captive monarch, whose 
power had been rendered legitimate by the sanction of the 
constitution, and the oaths of the people. He called a 
council of war, to which he summoned every officer 
commanding a battalion, and finding among them a ready 
assent to the measures proposed by him, he immediate- 
ly published a proclamation, in which he declared not 
only his own dissent, but that of the troops under his com 
mand, to the recent events that had occurred in the capital. 
But the national assembly had already anticipated the de- 
fection of Lafayette's army, and recurred to measures calcu- 
lated either to gain the commander, or induce the troops 
to desert him. On the night of the twelfth of August, they 
accordingly despatched three commissioners to the army, 
to counteract the movements of the general Lafayette 
was accidentally apprized of these proceedings ; and after 
stating the facts to the magistrates of Sedan, he advised 
them, in duty to the king and constitution, to arrest the 
commissioners, who, on their arrival there, were accordingly 
imprisoned. — In the mean time Lafayette returned to camp, 
and immediately distributed among the battalions an ener- 
getic and decisive letter, declaring the destruction of the 
constitution by a banditti, and the deposition of the king. 
"Citizens,'" he concluded, '' you are no longer represented ; 
the i.ational assembly are in a state of slavery ; your armies 
are withotit leaders ; Petion reigns ; the savage Danton and 
his satellites are masters. Thus, soldiers, it is your province 



272 HISTORV OF THE 

to examine whether you will restore the hereditary repre- 
sentative to the throne, or submit to the disgrace of having 
a Petion for your king." — When this communication was 
first made to the soldiery, they announced, by their rage and 
exclamations, that they were actuated by that indignation 
which their leader was so desirous to excite. Lafayette 
had every reason to suppose that all the armies participated 
in this feeling ; but he was mistaken. No sooner were the 
assembly informed of his defection, and of the arrest of their 
commissioners, than they immediately deprived him of the 
command, and nominated Dumourier the commander-in- 
chief, who received orders to march against the constitution- 
al general. But this measure was soon rendered unneces- 
sary : three new deputies had been despatched to procure 
the liberation of their predecessors, while a great number 
of emissaries received secret orders to repair to Lafayette's 
camp, and debauch the fidelity of his soldiers ; in which they 
were too successful.* 

Lafayette laboured in vain, for some time, to dissemble 
the critical situation in which he was placed. To have 
marched directly to Paris, would have exposed the king and 
his family to certain destruction ; and, in erecting the stand- 
ard of revolt in the provinces, he would have been opposed 
hy the other armies, and a civil war must inevitably have 
followed. In addition to these considerations, France was, 
at this moment, pressed on all sides by the enemy, and the 
idea of a capitulation with the presumptuous invaders of 
his country, struck him with horror. He was resolved, 
therefore, whatever might occur, neither to leave the fron- 
tiers destitute of defence, nor to lose his reputation by means 
of a disgraceful compact. But the oath which he had taken 
to support the constitutional king, marked out a line of con- 
duct from which he could not honourably swerve. He 
formed a plan to rally around him the neighbouring depart- 
ments, and to form, with some of the members of the con- 
stituted authorities, a kind of congress, to which he expect- 

* Wars French Rev- i- 45,51— Hist. Kev. ii. 63— Touloug-. Hist. ii. 267. 



MARftUIS DE LAFAYETTB. 273 

ed that many opposition members of the legislative body 
would unite themselves. Supported by the civil power, 
and seconded by the armies of the Moselle and the Rhine, 
he might have organized a powerful opposition, and re-estab- 
lished the constitution. But every circumstance necessary 
to the success of his project, failed together : the enemy, on 
the threshold of the empire, concentrated all his power ; the 
versatile conduct of the king and court destroyed all confi- 
dence, and rendered all his measures ineffectual ; and the 
habits of the soldiery, had taught them to know no other 
power but the decrees of the assembly : every thing con- 
curred in crushing an enterprise which the rapidity of events 
had not afforded him time to mature, whose success, if only 
partial, might have opened the gates of the frontiers to the 
enemy, and which it was impossible after the events of the 
tenth of August, completely to effect. His own army now 
divined the predicament in which he was placed, and a ge- 
neral consternation began to prevail in his camp. Those 
regiments which had been loudest in their accclamations, 
announced by their conduct that their fidelity was beginning 
to waver ; others murmured at their lot, and lamented their 
situation. It was also propagated with equal ar*^ and suc- 
cess, that a decree of accusation had been promulged against 
their commander ; that disobedience to his orders had now 
become a duty ; and that to recognise him any longer, was 
to violate the laws.* 

* Toulong. Hist. France, ii. 269, 70— Hist Wars Fr. Rev. i, 51,2,3. 

" Jfational Assembly, August 17, 1792- 
" Decree of accusation ag-ainst M. Lafayette. 
" I. It appears to this assembly, that there is a just ground for accu- 
sation against M. Lafayette, heretofore commander of the army of 
the north. 

«' II. The executive power shall, in the most expeditious manner 
possible, carry the present decree into execution ; and alj constituted 
authorities, all citizens, and all soldiers, are hereby enjoined, by every 
means in their power, to secure his person- 

" III. The assembly forbids the army of the north, any longer to ac- 
knowledge him as a general, or to obey his orders ; and strictly enjoins 
that no person whatsoever shall furnish any thing to the troops, or [lay 
any money for their use, but by the orders of JVL Dumourier." * 

35 



274 HISTORY Of THE 

Notwithstanding the prevalence of these sentiments, a ge- 
nerous feehng seemed still to actuate the hearts of an army 
that had already resolved to abandon its general, and both 
time and opportunity were afforded him to provide for his 
safety. In a consultation with his friends, it was on all sides, 
allowed that it had become impossible to support the vigo- 
rous measures which they had determined to pursue, as 
they were abandoned by the whole nation, and even by 
their own troops. Immediate flight now became necessary 
to those who had but so lately hoped to decide the fate of 
an empire. However inevitable the measure, it was with 
reluctance that Lafayette consented to embrace it : he was 
not ignorant of the dangers which accompanied it, but he 
hoped, at all events, to be able to ensure the safety of his 
companions, and to appear rather unfortunate than culpable 
in the eyes of mankind. He accordingly resolved on the 
night of the 19th August, 1792, to set out, before the dawn 
of day should exhibit once more the discontent of an army 
formerly so much attached to him, and which still respected 
his misfortunes. He mounted his horse, accompanied by 
Latour-Maubourg, the friend of his youth; — Alexandre 
Lameth, formerly his enemy, but now determined to partici- 
pate in his fate ; and Bureau de Puzy, three times presi- 
dent of the constituent assembly. When he arrived at Bou- 
illon, he sent back his escort, wrote from thence orders for 
the different posts occupied by his army, so as to secure its 
safety. None of the refugees attempted to seduce a single 
battalion to desert, and by such base and inglorious nieans, 
ensure the favour of the enemy ; on the contrary, it was their 
sole wish to retire to some distant country, and hope for 

better days.* 

The prime and immediate motive of Lafayette, in retreat- 
ing from his army, was to avoid the decree of accusation 
which had converted his adversaries into his judges. He 
hoped to pass the posts of the enemy without being disco- 

* Toulong. Hist. ii. 371.— Wars, Rev. i. 54 



MAUCitilS UE LAFAYETTE. 275 

vered, aud thus gain the territory of the republic of Holland. 
He was not driven, by the enemies of liberty, from the land 
on which he had been one of the first to endeavour to confei 
that blessing ; it was in the name of that very liberty, that a 
party, rather opposed to him in principles than opinions, and 
still more in measures than in principles, accused and pro- 
scribed for having endeavoured to save and defend the part} 
from whom he had conquered that liberty. His situation 
was without example in history. Marius fled from the pro- 
criptions of Sylla, his rival and personal enemy ; the whigs 
and the tories, the Guelphs and the Gibelins upheld oppo- 
site and fixed parties and opinions ; — they hated each other, 
because their efforts were directed to opposite ends ; they 
were rather adversaries than enemies. In the present case, 
the question was only a choice of measures, to arrive at 
the same admitted point, — public liberty ; but, as, in matters 
of religion, the intolerance of seism is more active and cruel 
than that of sect, so the rivalry between sections of the same 
party, was more bitter than between different parties. — The 
fate of the brave, disinterested, and patriotic Lafayette, is 
little calculated to exalt our opinions of human nature : on 
the one hand, we behold him abandoned by the people for 
whom he had made so many sacrifices ; on the other, op- 
posed by a combination of kings, while his attachment to 
the cause of constitutional monarchy was the source of his 
calamity. If he had erred, his error was the error of a 
young and ingenuous mind, which, in its ardent zeal for the 
liberty and happiness of his fellow-creatures, did not permit 
him to distinguish what was practicable, from what was merely 
speculative and visionary. 

If, as it has been said, a more temperate and mature 
judgment would, probably, have led him to oppose that fatal 
degradation of the executive power, which finally proved 
the ruin of authority, of government, and of order, in France, 
still he was no more to blame than the rest of the constitu- 
ent assembly ; and though in his judgment, he may have 



276 HISTORY Of THE 

erred, it must be admitted that he was always consi stent in 
his principles. Faithful to his oath, to his king, and to his 
engagements, he was among the first to oppose all seditious 
designs, and among the most distinguished of those who con- 
tended for the maintenance of order and civil obedience. 
To have received with cordiality, the illustrious supporter of 
regulated liberty, would have been noble and magnanimous ; 
— to imprison and persecute virtue and valour in distress, 
was mean and dastardly : but, from Tiberius to the present 
times, cowardice has been the uniform character of ty- 
ranny.* 

When Lafayette diminished his escort, he set out with 
seven companions,! and arrived, after a rapid journey, in the 
neighbourhood of an advanced guard of Austrians. It was 
extremely dark, and their horses being greatly fatigued by 
the march, as well as a heavy rain, they found it impossible 
to proceed further ; nor could they, from the same cause, re- 
trace their steps, laying aside the risk of pursuit from the 
French. It was, therefore, necessary to carry a bold front, 
and endeavour to obtain permission to pass, without dis- 
covering their ranks and names. Colonel de Puzy advanced, 
and requested to speak with the ofiicer commanding 
at Rochefort. Lieutenant-colonel count D'Harnoncourt, 
who held the command, wishing to send Puzy, as all 
emigrants had heretofore been, to the duke de Bourbon, 
commander of the neighbouring posts, the colonel replied that 
his companions and himself ought not lobe confounded with 
the emigrants who bore arms against their country ; that 
fliey were patriotic officers, attached to the constitutional 
laws, who had, in fact, left the army, and who demanded per- 
mission to seek an asylum in a country which was not at war 
with France. D'Harnoncourt, detaining Puzy, sent orders 

* Toulong. Hist ii. 272, 3 — Hist- Rev. France, li. 67. 
J- These were Louis and Victor Latour Maubourg, Bureau-de- Puzy, 
Alexandre Laraeth, Auguste Masson, Rene PUlet, and Cardignan. 



MARftUIS DB LAFAYETTE. 277 

to the rest to advance ; which measure was unavoidable. 
They were conducted to an inn, where Lafayette was im- 
mediately recognised. The commandant then told them 
that it would be impossible to depart before the next 
day ; Puzy, at once, entrusted him with their names, which, 
however, he already knew, and which, produced nothing but 
some empty expressions of respect. In the mean time, a 
number of Austrian hussars arrived, and the commandant 
informed his prisoners, that, before they could proceed, it 
was requisite to obtain permission from the commandant at 
Namur. Puzy accompanied the officer who was despatched 
to that place. When the commandant heard that Lafayette 
was taken, he burst forth into the most extravagant expressions 
of joy, and refused to grant the passports which Puzy de- 
manded. 

On the twenty-first of August, the prisoners were con- 
ducted to Namur, where the commandant, the marquis de 
Chasteler, informed Lafayette that prince Charles had been 
commissioned by their royal highnesses to converse with him 
respecting the situation of France; and insinuated that, con- 
sidering the just cause of complaint he had agaiMst his 
country, it was expected that he would exhibit some marks 
of it. " I know not," replied the general, " whether such a 
commission has been given ; but I do not think that any one 
will dare to deliver it to me." At that moment, prince 
Charles entered. His obliging conversation was scarcely 
replied to by the prisoners ; and when it was requested that 
the general officers should remain alone together, they be- 
came entirely dumb. "I think,'' said M. de Chasteler, 
" that the situation in which we are placed is painful 
to all parties ; and that this visit had better be closed." 
And after the usual salutations, the commissioner departed. 
At Nivelle, they were visited by an Austrian major, 
commissioned to receive the treasure which, it was supposed, 
Lafayette had secured, and which, he remarked, would be 
sequestered in behalf of his Chistian majesty : " All that I un- 



27S HISTORY OF THE 

derstand of this strange commission," said Lafayette to the 
major, " is, that, had he been in my place, M. the duke of 
Saxe Teschen would have stolen the military chest of the 
army." Their portmanteaus, however, were searched, and 
not more than the amount of two months' pay, for each 
officer, found in them. 

Thus were these distinguished men exposed to the great- 
est indignities, because they had been the friends of the con- 
stitution, instead of being treated as prisoners of war, which 
was the only quality in which they could have been justly ar- 
rested and detained. A correspondence had taken place 
with regard to them, between the courts of Berlin and 
Vienna ; and it was determined that they should be given 
up to the Prussians, as their fortresses were nearer, and were 
supposed to be able to receive and guard them more con- 
veniently. They were accordingly conducted like criminals, 
in a common cart, to Wesel on the Rhine, where they were 
insulted in the most savage manner by the populace. Here 
they were put in irons, and confined in separate cells of the 
castle : they were attended by non-commissioned officers, 
who received strict orders never to permit them to remain 
for a single moment out of sight, nor to answer any questions 
that were put to them. 

Lafayette, Puzy, and Laubourg, experienced a long series 
of sufferings, and the most barbarous usage. Transferred 
successively to Magdeburg, Glatz, Neisse, and Olmutz ; de- 
prived of the first necessaries of life ; debarred from all com- 
munication with each other ; — the hatred of their persecu- 
tors, in the refinement of its revenge, lost sight of policy al- 
together. It cried aloud, that this excess of barbarity was a 
warning to all those who maintained similar opinions, that 
safety depended solely on the power of their arms, and that 
the implacable passions of kings left no room for negotia- 
tion. 

During his confinement at Wesel, it was intimated to La- 
fayette, by order of the king of Prussia, that his situation 



MARqCIS D£ LAfAYETTB. 279 

would be meliorated, provided he would draw up plans 
against France; but Lafayette exhibited, in an energetic an- 
swer, his scorn of such a proposition. Hence, the rigour of 
his confinement was increased ; and he, and his companions, 
were soon after thrown into a wagon, and conveyed to the 
dungeons of Magdeburg. The most brutal care was taken 
thai they should learn nothing respecting their families, con- 
cerning whose fate they experienced the most anxious so- 
licitude, in consequence of the proscriptions that prevailed 
in France. They remained during a whole year at Magde- 
burg, in a dark and humid vault, surrounded by high pal- 
lisades, shut up by means of four successive doors, fortified 
by iron bars, and fastened with padlocks. Their fate, how- 
ever, now appeared to be milder, as they were permitted to 
see each other, and allowed to walk for an hour each day, 
OM one of the bastions. 

After having been transported to Glatz, the prisoner? 
were at length trasferred to Neisse, for the purpose of being 
delivered up again to Austria : their dungeon was still more 
dismal and unhealthy than any of those they had previously 
inhabited. Alexandre Lameth, who was dangerously ill, 
could not be removed with his companions. His mother ob- 
tained permission from Frederick William, for him to remain 
a prisoner in his states ; and finally obtained his liberty. 

The Prussians, at last, became unwiUing to bear the odium 
of such unlawful and disgraceful treatment of prisoners of 
war, entitled to every degree of respect from their rank and 
character ; but especially from the manner in which they 
had been taken. They, therefore, gave them up to the 
Austrians, who finally transferred them to dark and damp 
dungeons in the citadel of Olmutz. The sufierings to which 
Lafayette was here exposed, in the mere spirit of a barbarous 
revenge, are almost incredible. He was warned that he 
would never again see any thing but the four walls of his 
dungeon ; that he would never receive news of events or 
persons : that his name would be unknown in the citadel 



280 HISTORY OF THE 

and that in all accounts of him sent to court, he would be de- 
signated onl)' by a number; that he would never receive any 
notice of his family, or of the existence of his fellow- 
prisoners. At the same time, knives and forks were removed 
from him, as he was officially informed, that his situation 
was one which would naturally lead him to suicide.* 

Thus was the patriotism of Lafayette punished by priva- 
tions and hardships which exceeded the rigours of inqui- 
sitorial severity. But he was sustained by a firm mind and 
quiet conscience ; and bore his misfortunes with manly re- 
signation. His sufferings were of no ordinary magnitude. 
The walls of his duniJjeon were twelve feet thick ; and air 
was admitted through an opening two feet square, secured 
at each end by transverse mas^sive iron bars. A broad 
ditch was situated directly before these loop-holes, which 
was covered with water only when it rained ; at other timesi 
it was a stagnant marsh, constantly emitting a poisonous, 
effluvium : beyond this, were the outer walls of the castle, 
so that the slightest breeze could never refresh the mis- 
erable captives, although the heat was almost insupportable. 
Sentinels, with loaded muskets, were stationed on these walls, 
who were prohibited to speak a word with them, and or- 
dered to shoot them dead, if they attempted an escape. A 
strong guard was also posted before the door of the prison- 
ers, who were forbidden, while on duty, either to sing, speak, 
or whistle. 

Each cell had two doors, one of iron, the other of wood, 
nearly two feet thick ; and both were covered with bolts, 
bars, and double padlocks. When the jailer, twice a day, 
brought their wretched pittance, it was scrupulously ex- 
amined, to discover if there was any note or communication 
whatever contained in it. A miserable bed of rotten straw, 
filled with vermin, together with a broken chair, and an old 

* North American Revievr, January, 1825, p. 164. — Wars Fr. Rev- ii- 
57-8. Mem — Lafayette, 126.-7. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 281 

worm-eaten table, formed the whole furniture of each apart- 
ment. The cells were eight or ten paces deep, and six or 
eight wide ; and when it rained, the water flowed through 
the loop-holes, and off the walls, in such quantities, that they 
would sometimes awake in the morning, wet to the skin. 
When the sun did not shine, which happened very frequent- 
ly in this wet country, the prisoners remained almost in 
total darkness during the whole day.* 

After three different attestations on the part of physicians, 
pointing out the indispensable necessity of fresh air for La- 
fayette, he was permitted to walk in the fortress. 

His sufferings, indeed, proved almost beyond his strength. 
The want of air and decent food, and the loathsome damp- 
ness and filth of his dungeon, brought him more than once 
to the borders of the grave. His frame was wasted by 
diseases, of which, for a long period, not the shghtest notice 
was taken ; and, on one occasion, he was reduced so low, 
that his hair fell from him entirely by the excess of his suf- 
ferings. At the same time, his estates in France were con- 
fiscated, his wife cast into prison, and Fayetteisme, as adhe- 
rence to the constitution was called, was punished with 
death.! 

But his friends were not inactive. In June, 1794, they 
prevailed on Dr. Erick Bollman. whose adventurous 
and philanthropic spirit easily led him to engage in the 
affairs of Lafayette, to proceed to Germany, ascertain what 
had been the fate of the unfortunate patriot, and, if he were 
still alive, to endeavour to procure his escape. By great 
address and courage, he affected the escape of count Nar- 
bonne from France, after the horrible massacres of the tenth 
of August, 1792, and succeeded in conveying him safely to 
England. In 1793, he had made an unsuccessful attempt to 
procure the liberation of Lafayette, by presenting a me- 
morial to the king of Prussia, which was rejected. 

* Mem. of Lafayette, pp. 127-8, 9. 

t North Americao Review, No. 46, p. 165. 



282 HISTORY OF THE 

Traversing Germany in the character of a traveller in 
pursuit of instruction and knowledge, he ascertained that 
Lafayette had been surrendered to the Austrian government, 
and taken the route toward Olmutz.* Having reconnoitred 
the country along the frontier, he selected Tarnowitz, as a 
place of temporary retreat, in case an opportunity should 
occur of rescuing the prisoner from captivity. This point 
determined in his mind, he proceeded toward Olmutz, a 
strong Austrian fortress in Moravia, on the high road to 
Vienna, from which it is distant about one hundred and fifty 
miles. 

At this period, the Austrian police, more rigorous than that 
of any country in Europe, France, probably excepted, was 
even more watchful than usual, because the events in France, 
and those in Poland, where a revolution had just been crush- 
ed by the united efforts of the surrounding powers, rendered 
all governments uneasy. Under such circumstances, the 
utmost caution was indispensable to success, and information 
became the mpre difficult to obtain, as all direct inquiry 
would inevitably have led to suspicion. At Olmutz, how- 
ever. Dr. BoUman ascertained that several state prisoners 
were kept in the citadel, with a degree of caution and mys- 
tery, which must have been not unlike that used toward the 
half fabulous personage in the iron mask. It seemed highly 
probable that Lafayette was one of them, and acting upon this 
supposition, the doctor visited the hospital, and endeavoured 
to form an acquaintance with the first surgeon : he knew that 
the health of the prisoner was delicate ; that he would not omit 
seeking medical aid ; and that, of all the medical men in 
Olmutz, this military surgeon was the most likely to perform 
that office. 

*The narrative of the unsuccessful attempt to rescue Lafayette, is ia 
substance, extracted from an account of that noble affair, published in 
the Port Folio, vol. xxii; p. 93, and written by Dr- BoUman himself: 
hence its authenticity is indubitable, although it varies from other nar- 
ratives lately published ia the country- 



MARttUlS DE LAFAYETTE. 283 

The surgeon proved to be a man of intelligence, probity, 
and feeling. After several interviews, when the conversa- 
tion turned on the effect of moral impressions on the consti- 
tution, Dr. Bollmann, drawing a pamphlet from his pocket, 
abruptly said, " Since we are on the subject, you attend the 
state-prisoners here. Lafayette is among them: his health 
is much impaired. Show him this pamphlet. Tell him a 
traveller left it with you, who lately saw in London all the 
persons named in it, his particular friends : that they are 
well, and continue attached to him as much as ever. This 
intelligence will do him more good than all your drugs." — 
At the same moment, he laid the pamphlet on the table, and 
perceiving that the surgeon knew not rightly what to reply, 
changed the conversation, and shortly after left him. 

The manner of the surgeon convinced him that Lafayette 
was at Olmutz ; and he knew the latter would devise means 
to improve the opportunity, should he receive the pamphlet. 
In a few days, the surgeon mentioned, of his own accord, 
fhat Lafayette wished to learn some further particulars re- 
specting the situation of one or two of them, whom he named. 
On hearing this the doctor, appearing to have accidentally 
about him some white paper, but which, in fact, had been 
prepared for the emergency, satimmediately down, and wrote 
a few lines in French, which language the surgeon understood, 
in reply to the inquiries made, and finished with the sentence, 
" I am glad of the opportunity of addressing you these words, 
which, when read with your usual warmth, W\\[ afford to a 
heart like yours some consolation." The paper had been 
previously written over with sympathetic ink, a writing in- 
risible unless brought out by the application of heat. The 
slight hint conveyed in the last sentence sufficed ; Lafayette 
became acquainted with his projects ; and his readiness to 
serve him in any practicable way. But the mode could be 
pointed out only by the prisoner, as he alone, from within, 
could judge what might be attempted, with any chance of 
success, from without. 



284, HISTORY OF THE 

To guard against suspicion, the doctor, on the day follow- 
ing, proceeded to Vienna, where he remained a considerable 
time, but confided his design to no person whatever. He 
had a carriage constructed there, in which were contrived 
convenient places for conveying secretly a variety of arti- 
cles, such as rope-ladders, cords, a number of tools for cut- 
ting iron bars< and for similar purposes. These general pre- 
parations being made, he visited several gentlemen on their 
estates in Moravia, and took an opportunity of again touch- 
ing at Olmutz, where he called on the surgeon, who returned 
him the pamphlet, formerly left for Lafayette. On ex- 
amining it, he found that the margin had been written over 
with sympathetic ink, (lime-juice,) and, on applying heat, 
learned that the captive, on account of his enfeebled state 
of health, after repeated applications, had at last obtained 
permission to take an airing, in a carriage, at stated days in 
the week, accompanied by a military guard; and that by fa- 
the easiest mode to restore him to liberty, would be to at- 
tack the guard on one of these excursions and then to take 
him off. 

Having ascertained for his guidance, that Lafayette, in 
taking his ride, sat in an open carriage, with an officer by 
his side, a driver on the box, and two armed soldiers stand- 
in*' behind, Dr. Bollman returned to Vienna. As it was 
indispensable to have, at least, one coadjutor, he communi- 
cated his project to a young American gentleman, by the 
name of Francis Kinlock Huger, who had often mentioned 
to him, in conversation, that Lafayette, on arriving in Ame- 
rica, first landed at his father's house, and there used often 
to have him on his keees, when a boy. He was a young man 
of uncommon talent, decision, and enthusiasm ; possessed of 
a warm heart and a resolute mind ; and he at once entered 
into the whole design, and devoted himself to its executioa 
with the most romantic earnestness. 

Having agreed on a plan, they publicly announced their 
intention of returning to England together; two sadifle 
horses were purchased, and a steady groom was engaged to 



MARsiUIS OE LAFAYETTE. 285 

attend them. Thus, sometimes sending the groom a station 
or two forward, with the carriage; at others, leaving him to 
bring up the horses slowl} , while they pushed onward in 
the carriage, they arrived at Olmutz. 

These were the only two persons on the continent, except 
Lafa\ette himself, who had the slightest suspicion of any ar- 
rangements for his rescue, and neither of these persons knew 
him by sight. When they reached Olmutz, the doctor imme- 
diately visited the surgeon, and, knowing the day when the 
marquis was to take his ride, mentioned to him the same day 
as the one on which he intended to continue his journey. 
On that day, (eighth November, 1794,) the groom was des- 
patched, at an early hour, to Hoff, a post-town about twenty- 
tive miles distant, with orders to have fresh horses in readi- 
ness at four o'clock. It had been concerted between the 
parties, that, to avoid all mistakes when the rescue should 
be attempted, each should take off his hat and wipe his fore- 
head, in token of recognition. 

Their saddle horses were now ready at the inn, and Mr. 
Huger feigned some business near the town-gate, in order to 
watch the moment when the carriage should pass. As soon 
as he saw it, he hastened back to the inn. Our adventurers 
mounted, and followed it at some distance, armed only with a 
pair of pistols, and those not loaded with ball. Their success 
was calculated on surprise, and, under all the circumstances 
of the case, to take any person's life would have been unjus- 
tifiable, useless, and imprudent. 

They rode by the carriage, and then slackening their 
pace and allowing it again to go ahead, exchanged signals 
with the prisoner. At two or three miles from the gate, 
the carriage left the high road, and passed into a less fre- 
quented tract in the midst of an open country : the plain 
was covered with labouring people. Presently the carriage 
stopped. Lafayette and the officer stepped out, and walked 
arm in arm, probably to give the former more opportunity 
for exercise The carriage, with the guard, drove slowly 



286 HISTORY OP THE 

on, but remained in sight. This was evidently the moment 
for their attempt. The two companions galloped up ; and 
the doctor, dismounting, left his horse with Huger. At the 
same instant, Lafayette laid hold of the officer's sword, but 
could only half draw it from the scabbard, as the officer, a 
stout man, had seized it also. The doctor joining, he was 
presently disarmed ; but he then grasped Lafayette, held 
him with all his might, and set up a tremendous roaring, not 
unlike that of Mars in the Iliad. The guard, on hearing it, 
instead of coming to his assistance, fled to alarm the citadel. 
The people in the field stood aghast. A scuffle ensued. — 
Huger passed the bridles of the two horses over one arm, 
and with the other hand, thrust his handkerchief into the 
officer's mouth, to stop the noise. The officer, the prisoner, 
and the doctor came to the ground. The doctor, kneeling 
on the officer, kept him down while the general rose. 

All would now have been well, but one of the horses, ta- 
king fright at the scene and noise, had reared, slipped his 
bridle, and ran off A countryman caught him, and was 
holding him at a considerable distance. The doctor, still 
keeping down the officer, handing a purse to the general, 
requested him to mount the horse left ; and Mr. Huger told 
him, in English, to go to Hoff. He mistook what was said 
to him for a more general direction to go off — delayed a 
moment to see if he could not assist them — then went on — 
then rode back again, and asked once more if he could be 
of no service — and finally, urged anew, galloped away, and 
was out of sight in a minute. 

The officer, recovering from his panic, fled toward 01- 
mutz. The doctor and Mr. Huger recovered the horse that 
had escaped, and both mounted him, intending to follow and 
assist Lafayette. But the animal, less docile and tractable 
than the other, which had been trained to carry two persons, 
refused to perform this task, reared, and bounded, and 
presently threw both. Mr. Huger immediately exclaimed, 
" This will not do ! The marquis wants you. Push on ; I'll 



MARCIUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 287 

take my chance en foot across the country." The doctor 
pushed forward, and Mr. Huger, who now had Httle chance 
of escape, was soon seized by the peasants, who had wit- 
nessed the scene, and conducted to Olmutz. These acci- 
dents defeated their romantic enterprise. Dr. Bollmann 
easily arrived at Hoff; but not finding Lafayette there, and 
being anxious to receive some intelligence of him, although 
he might readily have secured himself by proceeding to 
Tarnowitz, he lingered about the frontiers, till the next 
night, when he too was arrested, by order of the Prussian 
authority, at the requisition of Austria. 

Lafayette remained unpursued : he had taken a wrong 
road, which led to Jagersdoflf, a place on the Prussian frontier, 
and followed it as long as his horse could proceed. He was 
within a few miles of the boundary of Austrian rule and per- 
ceiving that his horse could go no farther, he acco&ted a man, 
whom he overtook on the road, not far from a village, and, 
under some pretext, endeavoured to prevail on him to procure 
him another horse, and to attend him to the frontier. The 
man apparently agreed, and went to the village for the horse. 
But the general had awakened suspicion by his accent, his ap- 
pearance, his request, and his money. The man promptly 
returned from the village, but he came with a force to ar- 
rest the marquis, and conducted him before a magistrate. 
During three days, the period of his detention there, his 
name was at last recognized by an officer from Olmutz, to 
which fortress he was re-conducted. 

All three of the prisoners were separately confined, without 
being permitted to know any thing of each other's fate. Mr. 
Huger was chained to the floor, in a small arched dungeon, 
about six feet by eight, without light, and with only bread 
and water for food ; and once in six hours, by day and by 
night, the guard entered, and with a lamp, examined each 
brick, and each link of his chains. To his earnest request 
to know something of Dr. Bollmann, and to learn whether 
Lafayette had escaped, he received no answer at all. To 



288 HISTORY OF THE 

his still more earnest solicitatian to be permitted to send to 
his mother in America, merely the words " 1 am alive," 
signed with his name, he received a rude refusal.— ^Dr. 
BoUman was also put in chains, and conducted to a dismal 
dungeon, half under ground. Only a faint hght broke into 
it, through a narrow, oblique aperture, made in a wall up- 
wards of five feet thick. When he laid down at night, 
chained to the walls, he was attacked by myriads of fam- 
ished vermin. Neither candle light, nor books, were allow- 
ed him, and his food was limited to what could be pro- 
cured for four cents per day. In this dreadful situation he 
remained more than two months, without any communica- 
tion with any person whatever except the jailer, nor did he 
ever from him learn the fate of Mr. Huger. In fact, at first, 
every degree of brutal severity was practised against both 
of them ; but, afterwards, this severity was relaxed. They 
were placed nearer together, where they could communi- 
cate with each other ; and their trial, which was protracted 
during the whole winter, was begun with all the tedious 
formalities, that could be prescribed by Austrian fear and 
caution ; for they had dreamed, in Vienna, of a deep-rooted 
plot, and wide-extended conspiracy, and could not believe 
that such an attempt would be made merely by two individ- 
uals, and without any other design than simply that of re- 
storing a man to freedom and to his friends. — By the pow- 
erful, but unknown intercessions of many of the personal 
friends of Dr. BoUman, in Vienna, but particularly through 
the influence of count Metrowsky, a nobleman living near 
the prison, the rigour of their treatment was not only great- 
ly mitigated, but, on the conclusion of their trial, they were 
merely sentenced to two weeks additional confinement, after 
having been already imprisoned during eight months. — The 
doctor and Mr. Huger received many flattering marks of 
kindness and good will, even at Olmutz, before their de- 
parture, and their progress through Germany was a kind of 
triumph, though embittered by the recollection o( the con- 



MARQUIS UE LAFATZXTE. 2S\i 

tinued captivity of Lafayette. A few hours after they had 
left Olmutz, an order came from Vienna, directing a new 
trial, which, under the management of the ministers, would 
of course, have ended very differently from the one mana- 
ged by Count Metrowsky ; but the prisoners were already 
heyond the limits of the Austrian dominions.* 

Lafayette, in the meanwhile, was thrown back into his 
obscure and ignominious sufferings, with hardly a hope that 
they could be terminated, except by death. The irons 
were so closely fastened around his ankles, that for three 
month>< he endured the most excruciating torture. During 
the winter of 1794-3, which was extremely severe, he was 
reduced almost to the last extremity by a violent fever ; and 
yet was deprived of proper attendance, of air, of suitable 
food, and of decent clothes. In this state he was allowed 
nothing for his bed but a little damp and mouldy straw; 
round his waist was a chain, which was fastened to the wall, 
and barely permitted him to turn from one side to the other. 
No light was admitted into his cell, and he was even refu- 
sed the smallest allowance of linen. Worn down by dis- 
ease and the rigour of the season, he became miserably 
emaciated. To increase his miseries, almost insupporta- 
ble mental anxieties were added to his physical distresses. 
He was made to believe that he was only reserved for a 
public execution, and that his chivalrous deliverers had al- 
ready perished on the scaffold ; while, at the same time, he 
was not permitted to know whether his family were still 
alive, or had fallen under the revolutionary axe, of which, 
during the few days he was out of his dungeon, he had heard 
such appalling accounts.! 

Madame de Lafayette, however was nearer to him than 
he could imagine to be possible. She, together with her two 
daughters, Anastasia and Virginia, had been confined in the 

* North American Review, January, 1825. 
f Mem of Lafayette, p- 190 — 192 — North American Review, Jan- 
iiarj', ir;2y 

.?r; 



290 illSTOR-r OF TtiK 

prisons of Paris. The twenty-seventh of July, 1794, (nindi 
Thermidor,) put an end to the reign of terror, and the greater 
part of the victims who had been doomed to the scaffold, were 
released from prison ; but madame de Lafayette was not li- 
berated for several months after, having been more than a year 
and a half in confinement. Notwithstanding the bad state of 
her health, and the earnest solicitations of her friends that she 
would remain a few months in the country, in order to re-es- 
tabhsh it, she remained deaf to all their prayers, and inexora- 
ble in her determination to carry immediate consolation to the 
dungeon of her persecuted husband. Sending her eldest son 
(George Washington) for safety, to the care of general Wash- 
ington in America, she set out, accompanied by her two 
daughters, in disguise, and with American passports. Anastasia, 
the eldest, was then sixteen, and Virginia, the youngest, thirteen 
years of age. 

Passing under the name of Mrs. Motier she landed at Altq- 
na, on the ninth of September, 1795, and proceeding itifme- 
diately to Vienna, obtained an audience of the emperor, who 
gave them permission, as it now seems probable, against tlie 
intentions of his ministers, to join Lafayette in prison, but abso- 
lutely refused to liberate him ; observing, " J'ai les mains liees" 
(My hands are tied.) They went instantly to Olmutz : butbe- 
Ibre they could enter, they were deprived of whatever they had 
brought with them to alleviate the miseries of a dungeon, and 
required, if they should pass its threshold, never again to leave 
it. They were treated with the greatest inhumanity, and re- 
fused liberty to hear mass on Sundays, or to have a servant to 
attend them. Madame de Lafayette's health soon sunk under 
the complicated horrors and sufferings of her loathsome im- 
prisonment, and she wrote to Vienna for permission to pass a 
week in the capital, to breathe purer air, and obtain medical 
assistance. Two months after this, tlie commandant made his 
appearance for the first time, and after giving orders that the 
two young ladies should be confined to a particular chamber, 



j«ARQ.UIS DE LAFAVETTE. 291 

informed maclame de Lafayette that no objection would be 
made to her leaving her husband, but that, if she should do so, 
she must never return to him. Tliere was a degree of refine- 
ment in this ingenious mode of heaping afflictions upon the head 
of the unfortunate, which almost outrivalled in iniquity all thut 
had ever been v^Titten to depict the oppression of tyrann) . 
The heroic woman seized a pen, and immediately and formal- 
ly signed her consent and determination "to share his captivi- 
ty in all its- details," being " fully determined never again to ex- 
pose herself to the horrors of another separation." Never af- 
terwai'ds did she make an effort to leave hmi. After this 
period, no complaints whatever were heard from the unhappy 
sufferers, who inhaled in their dungeons, an air thoroughly im- 
prognated with the most noxious effluvium. The situation of 
the two lOvely d^'ighters was horrible. — Not allowed to be con- 
fined with their parents, they were guarded in separate dun- 
geons ; and, by a confinement of sixteen hours, they purch d 
the melancholy satisfaction of being with their father and 
mother during the remaining eight hours, of the day. But, 
with all diose soft endearments which fall so sweetly from the 
lips of young and artless women, they helped to assuage, by 
their touching sympathy, those keener sorrows which refused 
to yield to the voice of philosophy.* 

" The history of female virtue and female heroism," says 
M. de Stael, " presents nothing more rare in excellence, than 
the life and character of madame de Lafayette." Her name 
will be revered so long as virtue commands respect (?nd 
admiration. She has, in our days, revived the name of 
Arria, who devested herself of the weakness of her s-ex, to 
bear all the oppression A'hich a Claudius or a Nero could 
inflict. She composed hers, '^ for death in the amis and in 
the dungeon of her husband ; but his deliverance produced 
a reprieve to a life so precious. He bore her to her native 

*ParI. Chron. xvi, 378-9, 380, 394.— Wars Rev. i, Note, 59, 60— Port 
Folio, xix, 509. — North American Review. January. 182". 



292 HISTORY OF THE 

France, to her own patrimonial woods of La Grange. Re- 
vived, not rescued, she Hved to behold the return of her 
brave son, the reunion of her family, and then sunk into the 

tomb. 

, Another attempt was made to effect the libej'ation of La- 
fay He. When the emperor of Austria,, in refusing the li- 
berty of her husband to Madam de Lafayette, told her that 
"his hands were tied," he could, of course, allude to no law 
or constitution of his empire, and, therefore, his hands could 
only be tied by engagements with his allies in the war against 
France. England was one of those allies ; and, therefore, 
general Fitzpatrick, in the house of commons, on the seven- 
teenth March, 1794, and again on the sixteenth December, 
1796, after a feeling and eloquent introduction, moved, 
" That an humble address be presented to his majesty, re- 
presenting to his majesty, that it appeared to that house that 
the detention of general Lafayette, Alexandre Lameth, Bu- 
reau de Puzy, and Latour Maubourg, in prison, by order of 
his majesty's ally, the king of Prussia, was injurious to his 
majesty, and the cause of his aUies ; and humbly to beseech 
his majesty most graciously to intercede in such a manner 
as to his royal wisdom shall seem most proper, for the de- 
liverance of these unhappy persons." Hp was supported 
by colonel Tarleton, who had fought against Lafayette in 
Virginia, by Wilberforce, by Fox, Sheridan, and Grey ; and 
opposed by Pitt, the chancellor of the exchequer, Burke, 
Windham, the secretary at war, and Mr. secretary Dundas. 
Mr, Fox_pleaded the cause of Lafayette with the most im- 
passioned eloquence. The British parliament heard that 
sublime speech, and yet the representatives of a free coun- 
try did not rise in a body to accede to the proposition of 
the orator, who, on this occasion, should have been ouly 
their interpreter. The ministers opposed the motions of 
general Fitzpatrick by saying, as usual, that the captivity of 
general Lafayette concerned the powers of the continent, 
and that England, in meddling with it, would violate the 



MARaUia DE LAFAYETTE. 29ii 

general principle which forbade her to interfere in the in- 
ternal administration of foreign countries. Mr. Fox admi- 
rably coinbalted this wil)' and tva:*ive answer; but, both 
motions were final!)' lost* One good effect, howtver, fol- 
lowed from them. A soleuni and vehecneut discu hi, in 
whicli liie enn.)eror of Austria found no apologist, had been 
held in the face of ali Europe ; and all Europe Wd!?, of 
course, informed of the suHerings of Lafayette, in the most 
solemn and authentic way. 

The illustrious individual who presided over the govern- 
ment of the United States, did not forget, in the dungeons of 
despots, the gallant soldier, with whom he had fought, side 
by side, on the plains of America. During the first year of 
Lafayette's imprisonment, in 1793, two letters were ad- 
dressed to the Anierican ministers at London and Paris, re- 
spectively, at the sole instance of the president, stating the 
inteiest taken by the president, and people of the United 
States in the fate of ihe Marquis de Lafayette, and requiring 
them to avail themselves of every opportunity of sounding 
the way toward his li eration, which they were to endea- 
vour to obtain by informal solicitations ; but if formal ones 
should be necessary, they were to watch the moment when 
they might be urged with the best prospect of success. In 
fact, the attachment of these illustrious personages to each 
other, yielded neither to time, nor to the remarkable vicis- 
situdes of fortune with which ihe destinies of one of them had 
been chequered. The extreme jealousy, however, with 
which the persons who administered t,he government of 
France, as well as a large party in America, watched the 
deportment of \YHshinglon teward ai< those whom the fe- 
rocious despotism of the Jacobips had exiled from their 
country, imposed upon him the painful necessity of observ- 
ving great circumspection m his official conduct on this deli- 
cate subject. A formal interposition in favour of the virtuoiie 

* The motion on seventeenth March, 1794, was lost, 40 to 153.— 
Pari. Chron. ix, 64'2.- The motion on sixteenth December, 1796, was 
lost, 32 to 132.— Ibid, xvi- 37,5. 



294 HISTORV OF THE 

y 
and unfortunate victim of their furious passions, would have 

been unavailing VVitho it benefitting the person whom it 
was designed to aid, it might have produced serious political 
mischief But, in the year 1796, the American ministers 
employed at foreign courts, were instructed to seize every 
fair occasion to express unofficially the interest taken by 
the president in the fate of Lafayette ; and to employ the 
most eligible means in their power to obtain his liberty, or 
to meliorate his condition. A confidential person had been 
sent to fJerIi , to soli^^jt his disrharge ; but before this messen- 
ger had reached his destination, the King «ji "rnrsia hnd de- 
livered over his prisoner to the emperor of Germany. Mr. 
Pinckney had been instructed, not only to indicate the 
wishes of the president to the Austrian minister at London, 
but to endeavour unofficially to obtain the powerful medi- 
ation of Britain, and had at one time, flattered himself that 
the cabinet of St. James would have taken an interest in the 
affair ; but this hope was soon dissipated.* 

After being disappointed in obtaining the mediation of 
the British cabinet, the president addressed the following 
letter to the emperor of Germany : — " It will readily occur 
to your majesty, that occasions may sometimes exist, on 
which official considerations would constrain the chief of a 
nation to be silent and passive in relation even to objects 
which atfect his sensibilitN, and claim his interposition as a 
man. Finding myself precisely in this situation at present, 
I take the liberty of writing this private letter to your ma- 
jesty, being persuaded that my motives will also be my 
apology for it. 

" In common with the people of this country, I retain a 
strong and cordial sense of the services rendered to them 
by the Marquis de Lafayette, and my friendship for him has 
been constant and sincere. It is natural, therefore, that I 
should sympathise with him and his family in their misfor- 
tunes, and endeavour to mitigate the calamities they expe- 

* Marsh. Washington, v. 339, note, 668-9. 



MARCtUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 295 

rience, among which his present confinement is not the least 
distressing. 

" I forbear to enlarge on this delicate subject. Permit 
me only to submit to your majesty's consideration, whether 
his long imprisonment, and the confiscation of his estate, 
and the indigence and disoersion of his family, and the pain- 
ful anxieties incident to all these circumstances, do not 
form an assemblage of sufferings which recommend him to 
the mediation of humanity ? Allow me, sir, on this occasion 
to be its organ ; and to entreat that he may be permitted to 
come to this countr> on such c>niiiii<>ns, and under such in- 
structions, as your majestj? ma^- think it expedient to pre- 
scribe. 

" As it is a maxim with me not to ask what, under simi- 
lar circumstances, 1 would not grant, your majesty will do 
me the justice to believe that this request appears to me to 
correspond with those great principles of magnanimity and 
wisdom, which form the basis of sound policy and durable 
glory." 

This letter, reflecting honour on the feelings and charac- 
ter of Washington, and expressing sentiments not more deep- 
ly cherished b) him, than by a whole nation, was transmit- 
ted to Mr. Pincknev, to be conveyed to the emperor through 
his minister at London. How far it operated in mitigating 
immediately the rigour of Lafayette's confinement, or in 
obtaining his liberty, remains unascertained. 

But the Journal of Congress of third March, 1797, con- 
tains a record, which will stand for ever as a blemish on the 
character of our country, although the principles which it 
exhibits, were, at that time, as odious to almost all the citi- 
zens of the republic, as they must be to the present genera- 
tion. But, fint justitia, ruat coelum. On that day, the la- 
mented orator and statesman, Robert Goodloei Harper, mo- 
ved, for consideration, a resolution in the following words : 
" This house, strongly impressed with a just sense of the im- 
portant and disinterested services rendered to their country, 
J r-^rr tj^g igtg ^J^J. ]yy tjjgj^ fellow-citizen, major-general 



S96 'HUTORY OP THE 

Lafayette, and deeply regretting the sufferings to which he 
is now subjected from a long and rigorous imprisonment, 
and which have equally excited their sympathy , and the ar- 
dent wish of their constituents for his deliverance, do Re- 
solve, that the president of the Uiu'ed States be informed, 
that this house will see with the highest satisfaction, any 
measure? which he may deem expedient to adopt toward 
ejOfecting the restoration of their said fellow citizen to liber- 
ty." — Notwithstanding the eloquence of a Harper, this mo- 
tion was lost by a majority of fifty -two to thirty-two : this 
result may be attributed to the cold-blooded fear of multi- 
plying foreign negotiations, the calculating timidity which 
looked forward to a long train of political disputes, and to 
the circumstance of the resolution having been brought for- 
ward at a late hour on the last day of the session.* 

The period at which Lafayette and his afflicted family, 
were again to ta&te the enjoyments of liberty was i.ow ra- 
pidly approaching. They owed their liberation, in a great 
measure, to Napoleon Bonaparte, at that time general-in- 
chief of the army of Italy ; but the American government, 
as we shall presently show, ()articipated honourably in the 
act. At the treaty of Campo-Formio, which was preceded 
by the negotiation of Leoben and Udine, the young and 
viciorioijs French genernl msisted, on his own responsibility 
that the prisoners at Oiinutz should be immediately released 
from continement. The Austrian mmisters were unwillingly 
compelltd to relinquish their prey; but attempted to compel 
Lafayett. (o receive his freedom on conditions prescribed 
to him : but this he distinctly and decidedly refused ; and de- 
clared, with a firinness which it is hardly to be believed could 
have survived such sutlieiings, that he would never accept 
his liberation in any way that should compromise his rights 
and duties, either as a Frerichman, or as an American citizen. 

John Parish, esquire, the American consul at Hambui^, 
had been indefatigable in his exertions, as the agent of the 

* American Senator, iii. 771- 



MARQ.tiI3 DE LAFAYETri. 297 

United States, to procure the liberation, or at least improve 
the situation, of the illustrious sufferer. He had already 
solicited, and obtained, permission to supply him with small 
sums of money. At length, the emperor atfected to listen 
with a friendly ear to the solicitations of the American gov- 
ernment, and consented to his enlargement, upon condition 
that Mr. Parish would engage that he should leave Germany 
in ten days. On the twenty-fifth August, 1797, the consul 
addressed a letter to the baron de Thurgut, minister of state, 
containing the following passage : " Mr. Rameuf will have 
the honour of acquainting your excellency with the dispo- 
sitions that have been made toward procuring a vessel for 
the prisoners, on their arrival in this city, (Hamburg,) to fa- 
cilitate their passage to America. I beg permission for Mr. 
Rameuf to offer to the prisoners, as well in my own name 
as in that of the United States, whatever assistance and 
care they may stand in need of, at the moment of their en- 
largement." 

To this letter the baron de Thurgut replied as follows ; 
" The merchant Hirsch has been permitted to furnish, agreea- 
bly to your desire, the money necessary to defray the ex- 
penses that the family of Lafayette would be at for matters 
of convenience and pleasure. The baron de Buol, his ma- 
jesty's minister plenipotentiary to the princes and state o/ 
Lower Saxony, will inform you of the particular deference 
of his majesty to the interest which the United States ap- 
pear to take in the liberation of this prisoner." The same 
minister of state, in a letter of the thirteenth of September, 
1797, to the baron de Buol, speaks in this language : " You 
will take care, M. Baron, to inform the American consul on 
this occasion, that his majesty, having made no positive en- 
gagement with the French respecting the enlar^gement of this 
prisoner, the motive of the particular interest that the Uni- 
ted States of America, appear to attach to it, has contribu- 
ted not a little to engage his majesty in this beneficent ac- 
tion ; that, for the rest, his majesty will be always happy 
7 



29S HISTOnY OF THB 

in furnishing the United States of America, on all occasions^ 
real marks of his friendship and benevolence."* 

It may be, that the Austrians were compelled to release 
Lafayette by the sword of the conqueror of Italy, but were 
willing to make a merit of it in the eyes of our government. 
It is not a little remarkable, that his release should have 
been effected by the co-operation of the two most conspicu- 
ous men of their age, one the founder of a republic, the other, 
of a despotism, — George Washington and Napoleon Bona- 
parte. 

On the nineteenth of September, 1797, the precious light 
of heaven once more gladdened the heart of the much injured 
marquis ; Madam de Lafayette and her daughters, having 
been confined twenty two months, and Lafayette himself, 
more than five years, in a disgraceful spirit of vulgar cruelty 
and revenge, of which modern history can atford very few 
examples. On that day, his fetters were knocked off, and 
accompanied by his wife and daughters, he left his prison 
under the escort of an officer, who was to deliver him into 
the hands of our worthy consul. Mr. Parish relates the 
manner in which he was received at Hamburg, in a very 
interesting manner : 

"The marquis's departure from Olmutz," says that gen- 
tleman, " was notified to M. de Buol and myself, and I con- 
certed measures for his being delivered over to me in my 
own house. Every thing was so arranged as to have the 
ceremony performed as quickly and secretly as possible ; 
and the fourth of October was fixed for their being conveyed 
to my house. Mr. Morris and I dined that day with the 
minister, the Baron de Buol. I left them at four o'clock in 
order to be at home when they arrived. An immense crowd 
of people announced their arrival. The streets were lined, 
and my house was soon filled with them. A lane was formed 
to let the prisoners pass to my room. Lafayette led the 
way, and was followed by his infirm lady and two daughters. 
He flew into my arms ; his wife and daughters clung to me. 

* Port Folio, xix, 509-10, II. 



MARftUIS UE LAIAVETTE. 299 

A silence, an expressive silence, took place, It was broken by 
an exclamation of, " my friend ! my dearest friend ! my deli- 
ttrtr ! See the work of your generosity ! My poor, poor wife, 
hardly able to support herself." And, indeed, she was not 
standing, but hanging on my arm, imbrued with tears, while 
her two lovely girls had hold of the other. The scene was 
extremely affecting, and I was very much agitated. The 
room was full, and I am sure there was not a dry eye in it. 
I placed the marchioness on a sofa : she sobbed and wept 
much, and could utter but few words. Again the marquis 
came to my arms, his heart overflowing with gratitude. I 
never saw a man in such complete ecstacy of body and 
mind. — He is a very handsome man, in the prime of life, 
and seemed to have suffered but little from his confinement. 
It required a good quarter of an hour to compose him. 

" In the midst of this scene, the minister joined us : I in- 
troduced the marquis and his family to him, and then re- 
quested that the ceremony about to be performed, might be 
in a private room, and desired that the rest of the company 
might remain where they were. 

" The minister, and his secretary, with the officer of the 
escort, Mr. Morris, and the prisoner, retired with me to an 
inner apartment, where M. de Boul, after a very handsome 
address to the prisoner, stated the particular satisfaction he 
had in delivering him over to a friend who loved and re- 
spected him so much : he then addressed me, and after some 
flattering compliments, reminded me of my engagement to 
the emperor, to have the marquis removed out of Germany 
in ten days, which I again promised to fulfil, when he told 
Lafayette that he was now completely restored to liberty."* 

After causing their rights, both as French and American ci- 
tizens, to be formally recognised at Hamburg, Lafayette and 
his family went to Welmoldt, a little town in the territories of 
Holstein, where, during two years, they lived in retirement 
and tranquillity. About this period the joys of the happy 

» Port Folio, xix. 511,51?. 



300 HISTORY OF THE 

circle were increased by the arrival of George Wauhington 
Lafayette from Mount Vernon, and by the marriage of Aaas- 
tasia, the eldest daughter of Lafayette with M. Charlet de 
Latour Maubourg, brother of the person who had shared her 
father's captivity. 

Here Lafayette continued to reside, contented and happy, 
but anxiously observing the progress of events in France, 
until the revolution of the eighteenth Brumair, tenth No- 
vember, 1 799, promised for a time, to settle the government 
of his country on a safe foundation. He immediately return- 
ed to France, and established himself at La Grange, a fine 
old castle, surrounded by a moderate estate, about forty 
miles from Paris, which has ever since been his customary 
residence. 

Returned to his country, Lafayette remained steady to 
those principles which had guided him through life, — which 
had led him to the wilds of America, — which had inspi- 
red him in the conflicts of revolutionary France, — had 
shielded him from the corruption of courts, and consoled 
him in the dungeons of captivity. When he discovered that 
his opinons of the character and views of Bonaparte were 
ill-founded, that he who had generously assisted to unlock his 
own chains, was already engaged in weaving shackles for his 
country, he broke off all intercourse with him, refused the 
share offered to him in public affairs, declined the senatorial 
dignity anxiously pressed on his acceptance, and by his bold 
restrictive vote, in 1802, against the consulship for life, snap- 
ped for ever the tie, which, under the paramount influence 
of gratitude, had for a moment bound him to a man, whose 
views differed so widely from his own. Bonaparte even 
went so far as to refuse to promote his eldest son, and his 
son-in-law Lasteyrie, though they distinguished themselves 
repeatedly in the army ; and once, when a report of the 
services of the former in a bulletin was offered him, he era- 
sed it with impatience, saying, " These Lafayettes cross my 
path everywhere." Discouraged, therefore, in every way 



MARdUIS DE LAFAYETTB. 301 

in which they could be of service to their country, the whole 
famiij' was at last collected at La Grange, and lived there 
in the happiest reiirement, so long as the despotism of Bo- 
naparte lasted. Refusing inflexibly to bow before the sun 
of imperial power, the noble head of the family gave him- 
self up exclusively to the endeannenis of domestic life, the 
pursuits of literature and science, and the interests and im- 
provements of agriculture.* 

For many years he continued to repose tranquilly in the 
bosom of his family. The restoration of the Bourbons, in 
1814, made no change in Lafayette's relations : he remain- 
ed an inactive spectator of the political changes which took 
place. He was too honest and too candid, too much an 
enemy to the anarchy oi the Jacobin factions, and to the 
despotism of the emperor, to support either, or to be re- 
ceived into their confidence. The restoration of a Bourbon 
to the throne might have met his silent approbation, if the 
throne had been founded in a constitution, fairly admitting 
the representatives of the people to a share in legislation, 
and properly defining the extent and the measure of the ex- 
ecutive authority ; but the views of Louis' friends and aUies 
were too arbitrary to lead them to expect his approbation 
and aid. He, however, presented himself once at court, 
where he was very kindly received ; but the government 
they established was so different from the representative 
government vyhich he had assisted to form, that he did not 
again appear at the palace. 

But great and extraordinary events, once more forced 
for the moment, this modern Cincinnatus from his plough, to 
assist in councils which had for their object the fate of an 
empire, and which brought him before the world, in all the 
origiual splendour of his long-tried virtue. Napoleon landed 
from Elba on the first of March, 1815, and reached Paris on 
the twentieth. His appearance in the capital was like a 

* Lady Morgan's France, p. 319 — North American Review, Jan- 
uary, 1825. 



302 HISTORY OF THK 

theatrical illusion, and his poHcy seemed to be to play all 
men, of all parties, like the characters of a great drama, 
around him. Wishing to obtain the powerful countenance 
and co-operation of Lafayette, he deputed Joseph BonapartCi 
to whom Lafayette had been personally known, to consult 
and conciliate him ; but the consistent patriot would hold 
no communion with the new order of things. He even re- 
fused, though pressingly solicited, to have an interview with 
the emperor ; and when the ex-king of Spain observed that 
his name was placed first upon the list of peers, and urged 
his acceptance of the peerage, this was his answer ; " Should 
I ever again appear on the scene of public life, it can only 
be as a representative of the people." To the Acte Addi- 
tionel of the twenty-second April, 1815, confirming the prin- 
ciples of Napoleon's former despotism, but establishing, 
among other things, a hereditary chamber of peers, and an 
elective chamber of representatives, Lafayette entered his 
solemn protest, in the same spirit with which he had pro- 
tested against the consulship for life. The very college of 
electors, however, who received his protest, unanimously 
chose him, first to be their president, and afterwards to be 
their representative to the Corps Legislatif* 

After a long and cheqtiered interval, Lafayette appeared 
before his country, with the same immutability of principle, 
the same energy of spirit and force of eloquence, as was 
possessed by him to whom America raised statues, ere man- 
hood had shed its down upon his cheek ; — to whom the mi- 
litary spirit of France devoted a sword of victory, formed 
out of the dungeon-bars of the Bastile, which he had broken. 
As a member of the chamber of deputies, he exhibited to 
his country, a bright, untarnished, model of the true, pure, 
incorruptible constitutionalists of 1789, whose views for the 
liberty and happiness of their country had been successive- 
ly and effectually frustrated, by the sordid selfishness of an- 

* Lady Morgan's France, 315, 320 — Biog. Not Fay. 13.-^M«m- 
Fayette^ 106— North Am. Rev. January, 1825. 



MARQUIS I>E LAFAYETTE. 303 

tiquated privilege, by the factious intrigues of sanguinary 
democracy, and by the aspiring views of bold, boundless, 
and despotic ambition.* 

It was as a representative of the people that he saw Bo- 
naparte, for the first time, at the opening of the chambers 
on the seventh of June, 1815. "It is about twelve years 
since we have met, general ;'' said Napoleon, with great 
kindness of manner : but Lafayette received the emperor 
with marked distrust ; and all his efforts were directed, as 
he then happily said they should be, " to make the chamber 
of which he was a member, a representation of the French 
people, and not a Napoleon club." — Notwithstanding all 
Bonaparte's efforts to procure the nomination of the pre- 
sident of the chamber, the votes were divided between Lan- 
juinais, Lafayette, and Flangergues. On the first ballot, the 
two former had the highest number of votes ; but, finding 
that the emperor had declared he would not accept Lan- 
juinais, if he should be chosen, Lafayette used great exer- 
tions and obtained a majority for him, over himself Bo- 
naparte was compelled, by circumstances to submit, as well 
as to recognise Lafayette as vice president of the chamber. 
From this moment until after the battle of Waterloo, which 
happened in twelve days, Lafayette did not make himself pro- 
minent in the chamber. He voted for all judicious supplies, 
on the ground that France was invaded, and that it was the 
duty of all Frenchmen to defend their country ; but he in 
no way implicated himself in Bonaparte's projects, or for- 
tunes, with whom it was impossible he could have any thing 
in common.! 

At last, at nine o'clock on the evening of the twentieth 
June, 1815, Bonaparte arrived from Waterloo, a defeated 
and desperate man. During his absence from Paris, the 
different parties in the chambers had not been idle. All 
agreed that if Napoleon was victorious at the outset of the 

* Morgan's France, p. 320. 
I North American Review, January, 1825 — Mem. Fayette, 286. 



304 HISTORY OF THE 

campaign, any resistance to his government would be vain. 
Should disgra-^e and defeat attend his first enterprise, many 
had determined to cast off his joke, and to cause him to ab- 
dicate the throne which he^ had usurped. Some, with 
Fouche at their head, hoped to prevent the desolation of 
France, by making peace with, and recalling the Bourbons. 
Others, believing that the alHes, according to their declara- 
tions, would permit them to choose their government and 
their chief, proposed to oti'er the crown to the duke of Or- 
leans, who seemed the only one of the Bourbon family, who 
had imbibed the proper principles of moderation. Another 
party, whose leader was the virtuous Lafayette, hoped that 
France might at length be permitted to enjoy some splendid 
and sublime constitution, approaching to the boasted models 
of the ancient republics. These three parties formed the 
decided majority of the deputies, and would all cordially 
and zealously unite in accomplishing the abdication of Na- 
poleon.* 

The dissolution of the representative body, and the as- 
sumption of the whole dictatorship of the country, now oc- 
cupied the deliberations of Napoleon and his ministers. — 
Lucien vehemently urged the dictatorship as the only means 
of averting from his brother, the disgrace which his enemies 
were preparing, and the only means of' saving the country. 
Regnaalt warmly supported him, and Decres and Davoust 
were inclined to the same opinion ; but they were opposed 
by Fouche, Carnot, and Cambaceres. Napoleon said little. 
He attentively listened to the arguments of each party, and 
at length, expressed his firm determination to throw himself 
on the loyalty of the chambers, and concert with them the 
measures which the present critical situation of France re- 
quired. — While the council was deliberating on the form of 
the message to be delivered to the chambers, the deputies 
met. Napoleon had ordered a bulletin of their proceedings 
to be sent to him, by a confidential agent, every quarter of 

* Boyce's France, vol. ii- 110, 117. 



MARtlUIS UE LAI'AYEXlfi. 305 

an hour. The first bulletin filled the court party with alarm. 
Lafayette, had appeared in the tribune. Bonaparte, in great 
agitation, reiterated the disastrous intelligence, " Lafayette 
in the tribune .'" while a spoon, with which he was trifling 
fell from his hand, and his altered countenance betrayed his 
conviction that "all was over." The council was advised 
that he had moved that the sittings of the chamber should 
be declared permanent, and that every attempt to dissolve 
them should be resisted and punished, as high treason. All 
question respecting the dictatorship was now at an end, un- 
less the emperor was resolved to add the horrors of civil 
war to the calamities which were devastating the frontiers, • 
and threatened to penetrate to the very heart of France.— 
The council was, for awhile, lost in astonishment and fear, 
but the next intelligence recalled them to their recollection, 
and showed them all the danger which threatened Napoleon 
and his party. The ministers were ordered to appear in 
the chamber of deputies, and there answer to any questions 
which might be put to them. At first they hesitated whether 
they would obey this unexpected, and peremptory, and un- 
constitutional summons. Napoleon was indignant at the 
insult, and even spoke of putting himself at the head of the 
few troops in Paris, on whose fidelity he was assured he 
might depend, and marching to the hall, to dissolve the cham- 
bers by force. No one but Lucien was found sufficiently 
bold, or faithful, or unprincipled, to second this rash propo- 
sal. At this moment, a second and more peremptory sum- 
mons arrived, requiring the immediate attendance of the 
ministers in the hall of the deputies. The council broke 
up in dismay, and nothing was determined, except that an 
extraordinary meeting should be summoned in the evening.* 
It has been stated that the deputies assembled while the 
council of the ministers continued their deliberations. La- 
fayette had obtained intelligence of the subject which en- 



* Boyce's Franee, ii. 134-5, G. — Morgan's France, 321. 



30G HISTORY OF THE 

gaged their attention, and which had been so often discuss'ed 
in the private assembhes at the palace. Two of the coun- 
cil, Thibaudeau, and Regnault de St. Jean d' Angely, who 
were opposed to the violent measure of the dictatorship, 
had even informed him that it would be taken instantly, and 
that in two hours,the chamber of representatives would cease 
to exist. There was, of course, not a moment left for con- 
sultation, or advice : the emperor, or the chamber, must fall 
that morning. He was sutiiciently experienced in the ma- 
noeuvres of revolutionary times, to know that not -^ vuuinent 
was to be lost, and that all depended on striking the first blow. 
He therefore managed that the chamber should meet at an 
earlier hour than usual, anu the president had no sooner ta- 
ken the chair, than he presented himself at the tribune. For 
the first time for twenty years, he ascended the tribune on 
the twenty-first of June, 1815, with the same clear courage, 
and in the same spirit of self-devotion, with which he had 
stood at the bar of the national assembly in 1792, and utter- 
ed words which would assuredly have been his death-warrant 
had he not been supported in them by the assembly which 
he addressed. He had hitherto taken no share in their dis- 
cussions. He had kept himself aloof, as if he were con- 
scious of disgrace in belonging to the government which Na- 
poleon had instituted. His appearance, therefore, excited the 
greatest surprise and the most lively expectation, and a pro- 
found silence reigned throughout the whole assembly. " Gen- 
tlemen," said he, " for the first time during many years, you 
hear a voice which the old friends of liberty may yet recog- 
nise. The country is in danger, and you alone can save it. 
The sinister reports, which have been circulated during the 
last two days, are unhappily confirmed. This is the moment 
to rally round the national colours, — the tri-coloured stan- 
dard of 1789, the standard of liberty, equality, and public 
order. It is you alone, who can now protect the country 
frona foreign attacks, and internal dissensions. It is you 
alone who can secure the independence and the honour of 



MAR<iUIS t)E LAFAYETTE. 



307 



France. — Allow a veteran in the sacred cause of freedom, 
and a stranger to the spirit of faction, to submit to you some 
resolutions, which the dangers of the present crisis demand. 
I am assured that you will feel the necessity of adopting 
them : — 

" Art. I. The chamber declares that the independence of 
the nation is menaced. 

" II. The chamber declares its sittings permanent. All 
attemps to dissolve it, shall be considered high treason. Who- 
soever shall render himself culpable of such an attempt, shall 
be considered a traitor to his country, and condemned as 
such. 

" III. The army of the line, and the national guards, who 
have fought, and still fight, for the liberty, the independence, 
and the territory of France, have merited well of the coun- 
try. 

" IV. The minister of the interior is invited to assemble 
the principal officers of the Parisian national guard, in order 
to consult on the means of providing it with arms, and of 
completing this corps of citizens, whose tried patriotism and 
zeal offer a sure guarantee for the liberty, prosperity, and 
tranquillity of the capital, and for the inviolability of the 
national representatives. 

" V. The minister of war, of foreign affairs, of police, and 
of the interior, areinvit* d to repair to the hall of assembly." 

No opposition was made to these resolutions, so alarming 
and so bold. The court party was taken by surprise, and 
absolutely thunder-struck. Well founded, indeed, were the 
fears of the emperor, when, he heard that Lafayette was in 
the tribune, for these motions, which were at once adopted, 
with the exception of the fourth article, both by the re- 
presentatives and the peers, substantially divested him of his 
power, and left him merely a factious and dangferous indi- 
vidual in the midst of a distracted state. The fourth article 
was suspended, as conveying an invidious distinction between 
the troops of the line, and the national guards ; but the latter 



308 HISTORY OF THE 

availed themselves of the hint. They immediately assem- 
bled at their respective rendezvous, and a piquet was sent 
from every arrondissement, to do duty at the hall of the 
deputies, and to charge themselves with the protection of 
the national representation.* 

The resolutions offered by Lafayette decided the fate of 
Napoleon. All, except himself, predicted the speedy termi- 
nation of his reign. The ^ay passed over without any event 
of consequence. The emperor hesitated as to the course 
he should pursue. The chambers exacted from the minis- 
ters the most positive and reiterated assurances that no de- 
signs were harboured against them. The citizens of Paris 
anxiously awaited the result of the impending struggle. To- 
ward the beginning of the evening, Napoleon, hoping that the 
eloquence of Lucien, which had saved him on the eighteenth 
Brumaire, might be found no less effectual now, sent him, with 
the three other ministers to the chamber, having first obtained 
a vote that all should pass in secret session. It was certainly a 
most perilous crisis : it was a contest for existence, and no 
man could feel his life safe. Lucien rose, and made a par- 
tial exposition of the state of affairs, and the projects and 
hopes he still entertained. A deep and painful silence fol- 
lowed. At length M. Jay, well known about twenty years 
ago in Boston, under th-e assumed name of Renaud, as a 
teacher of the French language, ascended the tribune, and 
after a long, vehement, and eloquent speech, proposed to 
send a deputation to the emperor, demanding his abdication. 
Lucien immediately followed. He never showed more 
power, or a more impassioned eloquence : " It is not Na- 
poleon," he exclaimed, " that is attacked ; it is the French 
people. And a proposition is now made to this people to 
abandon their emperor ; to expose the French nation, be- 
fore the tribunal of the world, to a severe judgment on its 
levity and inconstancy. No, sir, the honour of this nation 

* Boyce's France, ii. ]37— 140."North American Rerievr, Januarv, 

1825. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 309 

shall never be so compromised !" On hearing these words, 
Lafayette rose. He did not go to the tribune ; but spoke, 
contrary to rule and custom, from his place. His maiiiier 
was perfectly calm, but marked with the very spirit of re- 
buke ; and he addressed himself, itut to tbe president, but 
directly to Lucien. " The assertion which has just been 
uttered is a calumny. Who shall dare to accuse the Freuch 
nation of inconstancy to the emperor Napoleim ? That na- 
tion has followed his bloody footstep!> through the sands of 
Egypt, and through the wastes of Russia ; oyer fifty fields 
of battle, in disaster as faithfully as in victory ; and it is for 
having thus devotedly followed him, that we now mourn the 
blood of three millions of Frenchmen." — These few words 
made an impression on the assembly, which could neither 
be resisted nor mistaken ; and, as Lafayette ended, Lucien 
himself bowed respectfully to hitn, and, without resuming 
his speech, sat down. — It is stated that Lafayette, during this 
debate, said to Lucien, "Go tell your brother that we will 
trust him no longer ; we will ourselves undertake the salva- 
tion of our country "* 

It was determined to appoint a deputation of five mem- 
bers from each chamber, to meet the grand council of the 
ministers, and deliberate, in committee, on the measures to 
be taken. At ntght, this imperial conimittee assembled, 
under the presidenc) of Cumbaceres, arch chancellor of the 
empire. It was composed of the ministers holding depart- 
ments, the ministers of state, the president and four mem- 
bers of the chamber of peers, the president and four vice- 
presidents (one of whom was Lafayette,) of the rej)resen- 
tatives, the heads of the civil and military authorities of 
Paris, and some state-counsellors, peers, representatives, 
and citizens, who were invited by the emperor. The friends 
of Napoleon were the most numerous party. — A secretary 
announced the approach of the em,ieror, who was preceded 
by his three brothi:'rs. All the assembly rose. He saluted 

* North American Review, January, 18^5.— Morgan's Fraace, 326. 



310 HISTORY OF THE 

them respectfully, but with some embarrassment. They 
then reseated tin mselves, without waiting for aii) previous 
command, and a profound silence succeeded. Count Regnault 
who faithful]} adhered to tlie fortunes of his master during 
all his vicissitudes opened the debate. He insisted that the 
glorious vacasicies which unheard of sacrifices had made in 
the ranks of the army, ought to be filled up." If victory has 
ceased," said he, " to crown our standards, are there not 
other palms besides those which are sprinkled with blood ? 
The olive of peace may still flourish on our menaced fron- 
tiers ; but that it ma) hear j-erni'anent fruit, it must be 
planted by heroic hands." " The only conquest for which 
we fij^ht is that of peace." I conclude with moving that the 
chambers make an appeal to French valour, while the em- 
peror is treating of peace in the most steady and dignified 
manner."* 

Lafayette next rose. Every eye was fixed upon him, and 
a profound silence reigned around. Napoleon was agitated 
alrnost to sutfocation ; but he speedily recovered himself, 
andassumed the appearance of indifference and unconcern. 

"In love for my country," 'said he, "and ardent wishes 
to save it from the dangers which threaten to overwhelm it, 
I will not yield to the last speaker. The sincerity of his 
patriotism I am not dif^posed to doubt ; but it is with pain 
that I am compelled to say, that the measures which he 
proposes would hasten and aggravate the calamities that we 
all deprecate. The fine army with which our northern fron- 
tiers were covered, is no more It can oppose no effectual 
resistance to the hordes of foreigners, who have already 
passed our borders, and whose course is marked with devas- 
tation and blood. It is under the walls of Paris alone, that 
our scattered troops will be able to unite, and dispute with 
the enemy, the possession of the capital of the empire. 

" Of the issue of the contest, I should not be doubtful. 
At the voice of their government, and to defend the liberty, 

Boyce's France, ii. chap. ir. et seq. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAVBTTE. 311 

the integrity, and the independence of his country, every 
Frenchman would fl) to arms, and the irtvaders would be 
chased from our soil with sad discomfiture. But though the 
triumph would be certain, the contest would be long and 
dreadful. Our fruitful tields would be laid waste, and our 
rivers run with blood. Is it necessary to expose our coun- 
try to these calamities ? Is it necessary to fill it with wiHows 
and orphans ? Are there no means by which peace may be 
obtained without compromising our honour? 

" The last speaker has proposed that pacific overtures 
should be made to the allies; that while an appeal is made 
to French valour, the emperor should treat for peace in the 
most dignified manner. But with what prospect of success 
will he, or can he treat? Have not our enemies pledged 
themselves to a line of conduct which, adopted when the 
issue of the contest was uncertain, and while all France ap- 
peared to have rallied round the emperor of their choice, 
will not be readily abandoned, now that victory has crowned 
their efforts ? 

" Mingled sentiments of affection and respect prevent me 
from being more explicit. There is hut one measure which 
can save the country, and if the ministers of the emperor 
will not advise him to adopt it, his great soul will reveal it to 
him." 

This speech, firmly and fearlessly delivered in the pre- 
sence of Napoleon, excited many murmurs from the court 
party, and much applause from others. At the close of it, 
the emperor cast his eyes down, but immediaiely raised 
them again with a smile of disdain. The duke of Bassano 
(Maret) could not contain his indignation. He proposed 
that all who for twelve years had made parts of different 
factions, whose common object was the dethronementof Na- 
poleon, should be placed under the surveillance of a more 
severe police : " had this measure been adopted,'' he con- 
tinued, "a person who now hears me, (Lafayette,) and who 
well understands me, would not smile at the misfortunes of 



312 HISTORY OF THE 

the country, and Wellington would not be marching to Paris." 
A burst of disapprobation, which even the presence of the 
emperor could not check, followed this insinuation. The 
duke attempted to proceed and to explain what he had said ; 
but the indiiiuation of the assembly was extreme. Hisses, 
and the most violent expressions of censure, drowned the 
voice of the snenker.* 

The deliberation continued during several hours; and the 
sentiments of Lafa>ette were supported in no equivocal 
terms, by Lanjuinais and Constant. The emperor, fearing 
that some resolution might be proposed fatal to his power, 
conversed a few minutes with Carnot and Lucien, in a low 
voice, when the former addressed the meeting, earnestly 
deprecating violent measures, and concluded by moving that 
the chambers should be invited to treat with the allied sove- 
reigns, through an embassN of their own choosing. The im- 
possibility of this measure being attended with success, was 
apparent to every one. It could not be supposed, when 
the} had declared that they would never treat with Napoleon 
or his famil), that the allies would be deluded by a mere 
quibble, and treat with any deputation from the chambers, 
while he still held the reins of power. — By adopting this 
measure, however, the object of both parties was answered. 
They equally wished to gain time to strike some decisive 
blow, for which neither was yet fully prepared. The as- 
sembly broke up. No one appeared satisfied, and it was 
easy to see that some great event was at hand. Before they 
separated, one of the members who had ^aken no part in the 
debate, exclaimed, with a vtfice purposely meant to reach 
the emperor's ear, " M. de la Fayette has struck at the root 
of the evil. 1 admire Napoleon ; but in order that all France, 
and that posterity may think as I do, one great act is still 
wanting. Is there no one so much a friend to our happiness 
and glory, as to point out to him how he may still add to it ?* 

The deputies met early on the following morning, and 
after a most stormy and tumultuous debate, caused by the de- 

* Boyce's France, vol. ii, chap. iv. el seq. 



MARQ.UIS DE LAiAyETT£. 313 

llay in receiving a message from the emperor, they passed 
a resolution that a deputation of five members should pro- 
ceed to the emperor, and express to his majesty the urgency 
of his decision. At the suggestion of general Solignac, than 
whom no man stood higher in the estimation of every party, 
the chamber unwilling!)' agreed to wait for one hour to re- 
ceive the message, and adjourned for that purpose. Solignac 
hastened immediately to the palace to endeavour to save the 
honour of that chief whom he still respected, although during 
five years, the emperor had eagerly seized every opportunity 
to mortify, insult, and disgrace him. — In vain had many of 
his ministers urged his voluntary abdication. The prece- 
ding night was passed in discussion, and it was not until the 
chambers had actually assembled in the morning, that the 
conditional promise was extorted from him, that if the ne- 
gotiations of the chambers failed, he would make the sacrifice 
which was required. Lucien and Bertrand alone opposed 
his abdication, and persisted in urging him to dissolve the 
chambers, and crush his enemies by one decisive blow. 
Lucien had heard of the tumultuous opening of the sittings 
in the morning, and was well assured that a motion would 
soon be made that Napoleon had forfeited the crown. He 
hastened to his brother, to make one last effort ere it was too 
late. The idea of the declaration of a forfeiture irritated 
Napoleon to madness. He sent in great haste for Davoust, 
the minister of war, and abruptly inquired what force he 
could lead against the assembly if he were compelled to pro- 
ceed to extremities. Davoust hesitated ; and his reply pro- 
ved that he would not involve himself in a violent and un- 
constitutional measure. " I understand you," said the em- 
peror, " my sun is set :" and he abrubtly quitted the apart- 
ment. 

When general Solignac was introduced, he explained with 
much feeHng the purport of his mission. He stated the 
disposition of the chambers, and the method by which he 
had succeeded in averting, for one short hour, the fatal de- 
cision, and entreated the emperor to prevent the disgrace 



314 HISTORY OP THE 

of forfeiture, by a speedy abdication. Napoleon liad alW 
learned, that if his abdication was not sent to the chamber 
within one hour, Lafayette had resolved to move, for his 
expulsion. All Solignac's arguments were urged in vain. 
Napoleon was resolved to brave his fate. At length, the 
general, as his last resource, proposed a measure that he 
would fain have otherwise avoided, that he should abdicate 
in favour of his son. Napoleon consented. A secretary 
Was summoned ; the declaration was immediately drawn up ; 
and Solignac hastened to the assemblywith this important 
paper, which was received with every mark of respect. 
Lafayette proposed that the person and interests of Napoleon 
should be placed under the protection of the national ho- 
nour ; and the resolution was carried by acclamation. — The 
president, Lanjuinais, Lafayette, the other vice-presidents, 
and the secretaries, proceeded to the Tuilleries,to thank him, 
in behalf of the nation, for the sacrifice he had made. " We 
found him," said general Lafayette to Lady Morgan, " upon 
this occasion, as upon many others, acting out of the ordi- 
nary rules of calculation ; neither atfecting the pathetic 
dignity of fallen greatness, nor evincing the uncontrollable 
dejection of disappointed ambition, of hopes crushed, never 
to revive, and of splendour quenched, never to rekindle. 
AVe found him calm and serene: he received us with a 
faint, but gracious, smile, and spoke with firmness and pre- 
cision." 

The nation being left without a government by the abdi- 
cation of Napoleon, the first care of the chambers was to 
appoint a committee who should provisionally assume the 
chief command. This crude government lasted only a few 
days. Its prncipal measure was sending a deputation to the 
allied powers to treat for peace, at the head of which was 
Lafayette. The five commissioners repaired to the head- 
quarters of Blucher, whose army had advanced one day's 
march before that of the duke of Wellington, and requested 
'\ suspension of arms while they proceeded to the head quar^- 
'^f the allies with pacific overtures. To this the Prus- 



MARqUlS DE LAFAYETTE. ^16 

sian general gave a peremptory refusal : he would not agree 
to an armistice for a single hour. Within the walls of Paris 
alone would he listen to overtures of peace. He would ex- 
plain nothing ; he would listen to nothing short of uncon- 
ditional submission and the possession of Paris. Their pass- 
ports he could not refuse, and after much unpleasant alter- 
cation, they proceeded to Haguenau, were the allied sove- 
reigns had now arrived. They were received with much 
apparent deference, and the conferences immediately com- 
menced. When the French plenipotentiaries declared that 
Napoleon had abdicated his throne, they were interrupted 
by the demand of the British minister, that he should be 
delivered unconditionally into the power of the alhes. This 
proposition excited the utmost astonishment and indignation; 
and Lafayette immediately replied, that Napoleon having 
voluntarily abdicated, that he might be no obstacle to the 
welfare of France, his person was under the protection of 
the national gratitude and honour, and that when it was 
proposed to the French people to commit an act of unexam- 
pled treachery, he did not expect that a prisoner of Olmutz 
would be selected as the fittest medium for its execution, 
The demand was immediately waived. 

The allied monarchs did not intend to enter into any ne- 
gotiations, nor explain their real intentions, which were to 
restore the Bourbons. They therefore, delayed the confer- 
ences on the most absurd and frivolous pretexts. After three 
conferences, the commissioners departed, perfectly unac- 
quamted with the demands of the allies, but having re- 
ceived an assurance, as false as it was positive, that " the 
foreign courts made no pretentions to interfere with the form 
of the French government." When they arrived at Paris, 
Lafayette found, to his great regret, that the city had ca- 
pitulated, and that Wellington and Blucher were about to 
enter the capital. Paris surrendered on the third of Julyi 
1815 ; and what remained of the representative government 
which Bonaparte had created for his own purposes, but which 
Lafayet*'^. hao turned against him, was soon afterwards dis- 



oiij HISTORY OF THE 

solved. On the sixth of July, he spoke to the assembly of the 
conferences of Haguenau, and of the patriotic sentiments of 
the departments through which he had passed. On the morn- 
ing of the eighth of July, the doors of the assembly were 
found guarded and closed. Although the deputies had nei- 
ther the power nor inclination to resist this arbitrary act, they 
had too much spirit and patriotism to separate without solemn- 
ly protesting against its injustice. Lafayette received a great 
number at his own house, and proceeded with them to the presi- 
dent's, when, more than a hundred members having signed the 
proces-verbal, they retired quietly to their homes.* 

Lafayette went immediately to La Grange, from which, in 
fact, he had been only a month absent, and resumed his agri- 
cultural employments. There, in the midst of a family of 
above twenty children and grandchildren, who all looked up to 
him as their patriarchal chief, he lived in simple and sincere 
happiness, and in complete retirement, until the year 1817, 
when he was elected a deputy from La Sarthe, although oppos- 
ed by the whole influence of the government. He was a con- 
spicuous member of the chamber, and in all his votes has showT:i 
himself constant to his ancient principles. When the ministry 
proposed to establish a censorship of the press, he resisted them 
in an able speech ; but Lafayette was never a factious man, 
and, therefore, he has never made any further opposition to the 
present order of things in France, than his conscience and his 
official place required. That he does not approve the present 
constitution of the monarchy, his votes as a deputy, and his 
whole life, plainly show; and that his steady and temperate opposi- 
tion is matter of serious anxiety to the family now on the throne, 
is apparent, from their conduct towards him during the last ten 
years, and their management of the public press since he has 
been in this country. In fact, the course which he has pur- 
sued, not only since the restoration of the Bourbons, but during 
the reign of Napoleon, ought to be viewed by the citizens of 
this republic, as a motive for fresh esteem and gratitude. He 
* Boyce's France, ii, chap, v, passim, p. 262—267, 343. 



SIAR^UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 317 

has uniformly acted, in regard to the arbitrary maxims and 
measures of tfie imperial and royal administrations, like one 
who deemed tlie voluntary allegiance which he had paid in his 
youth to the principles of freedom, as perpetually obligatory, 
and paramount to all considerations of personal interest and se- 
curity, at any period or in any situation. In the chamber of 
deputies, under the existing government of France, he always 
stood forth the champion of constitutional and natural rights, 
and the adversary of despotic doctrine and rule, with a firm- 
ness, serenity, and dignity, which must have finally extorted 
the admiration even of the ultras, who so often sought to force 
him down by clamour and menaces. He came to this country 
a liberal by generous instinct and enlightened reason ; — he has 
remained so through all vicissitudes and dangers. He has 
never deserted the banners under which he first contended ; he 
has done honour to the political school in which he was form- 
ed, by proving that the true disciple can never be an apostate 
nor a prevaricator. It is enough to say, that he is eminently 
obnoxious to the governments of France, Austria, and Prussia; 
— ^he is odious to them and to the Russians, as the veteran and 
inflexible apostle of that creed which they most dread, and are 
most anxious to suppress ; — he is the worst of liberals in their 
eyes ; a patrician by birth, the subject of a monarchy, who 
deserted to republicanism at the first opportunity; who would 
never afterwards bend the knee to absolute power, and whom 
they have been unable to crush, although he has raised his voice 
to all the globe against their doctrines and designs, and become 
the model and patriarch of constitutionalists.* 

M. de Lafayette now withdrew himself entirely from politi- 
cal affairs, encircled by those he best loved, and conscious that 
he had done every thing for his country that his powers and op- 
portunities had allowed. Let us follow this " last of the Ro- 
mans," for a moment, to his peaceful retreat, and contemplate 
the man who had rode upon ruder storms, and dared greatear 

* North American Review, January, 1825.— National Gazette, Februa- 
ry 4, 1824. ^ -- - -- 



318 HISTORY OF THE 

dangers, than almost any other of the age, calmly and ctHatent- 
edly enjoying the substantial hixuries of domestic life. 

The chateau of La Grange lies in the fertile district of La 
Brie ; so remote from any high road, so lonely, so wood-em- 
bosomed, that a spot more sequestered, more apparently dis- 
tant from the bustling world, and all its scenes of conflict and 
activity, can scarcely be imagined.* It is situated about forty 
miles from Paris, amid prolific orchards and antiquated woods. 
The chateau is of singular construction, quadrangular, and or- 
namented by Moorish towers at each angle, which have no un- 
pleasing effect. This estate, belonging to the fortune of his 
wife, and a small farm in Auvergne, were all that remained of 
his wealth : he had lost every thing besides, in the madness of 
revolutionary confiscation. The building is ancient, (having 
been founded by Louis Le Gros,) and simply furnished : the 
wood which adjoins it, is beautiful, divided in the old style, by 
long green alleys, intersecting one another, and admirably 
adapted for a studious walk, or for reading, remote from noise. 

It was here that, in 1802, he received widi tearful eyes, and 
joyful smiles, the celebrated British statesman who had so elo- 
quently and pathetically pleaded his cause in the British parlia- 
ment. Lafayette had become acquainted with Mr. Fox at 
an early age, during a visit to London. There was too much 
congeniality in their souls not to produce an early and strong • 
sentiment of friendship. While the hero was promoting the 
cause of hberty in America, the statesman laboured, with equal 
zeal, in the British house of commons, to inspire an obstinate 
and unenlightened ministry with respect for the rights of hu- 
manity, and mercy for the suffering Americans. 

Lafayette resides on his estate in rural simplicity, and un- 
ostentatious hospitality ; and there are few Americans who do 
not offer their respects to the benefactor of their country. No 
silly affectation — no studied welcome — no idle airs of ceremo- 
ny ,.*-are seen there. The benevolent countenances, and warm 

* The account of La Grange and its inhabitants is compiled from Lady 
Morgan's France, Trotter's life of Fox, Memoirs of Lafayette, &«. &c. 



MAB^niS DE LAFAYETTE. ol9 

s^elcome, of a good and amiable family, are delightful to the 
hearts of those, who go to La Grange with the same feelings as 
the steps of the weary pilgrim approach the shrine of sainted 
excellence. 

Modest, plain, and unassuming in his general deportment, 
Lafayette has ever been averse to parade and ostentation. 
Habited in his gray coat and round hat, with a cane in his hand, 
and accompanied by his grandson, he would ramble over his 
farms, visiting his sheep-folds, his cow-stalls, and his dairies, and 
enjoying, with much relish, the avocations of agriculture. His 
manner to the peasantry, and to the workmen engaged in the va- 
rious rustic offices of his domains, was extremely gracious, and 
he freely engaged in lively and familiar conversation with them. 
And this condescending kindness was repaid by boundless af- 
fection, and respect amounting almost to veneration. In a plain, 
but spacious, room of tlie chateau, the peasantry of the neigh- 
bourhood, assemble, (1816,) every Sunday evening, in winter, 
to dance to the merry sound of the violin, and are regaled with 
cakes, and eau-sucree. The general is usually, and his family 
are always, present at these rustic balls ; the younger mem- 
bers occasionally dancing among the tenantry. In the summer, 
this patriarchal re-union takes place in the park, where a space 
is cleared for the purpose, shaded by the lofty trees which en- 
circle it. 

Living in this simple manner, in the bosom of a tender and 
affectionate family, the general exhibits the bright example of 
a public man, content with little, free from envious and angry 
feelings, and willing to live in dignified silence, when he had not 
the power to do good. His benevolent features ; bis frank 
and warm manners, which make him almost adored in his fami- 
ly ; and a placid contentedness, amounting to cheerfulness, al- 
together have an irresistible effect in gaining the affections and 
esteem of those admitted to his more intimate society. Not 
only true to his principles, and faithful to his country, but affec* 
tiomata to his family, and kind to his friends,, he is erainentfy 
worthy of being pronounced a good father, a good husband, a 



320 HISTOllY OF THE 

good citizen, a good patriot, and a good man. — As simple iii 
their dress, as in their manner of living, it would be in vain to 
seek for splendid dresses, jewels, or any of the trappings of 
worldly vanity, at La Grange. " The jewels of the Lafay- 
ette family are those of the mother of the Gracchi." 

The benevolence, humanity, and generosity of Lafayette, 
might be illustrated by a multitude of examples, a selection 
from which will prove, that whether amid the turmoils of war, 
the perplexities of politics, or the pleasures of retirement, he 
never forgot the duties of a man, or ceased to feel the impulse 
of a noble heart. We have already recorded his benefaction to 
the sufferers from fire in Boston, in 1787 ; his supplies of cloth- 
ing and absolute necessaries, to the American soldiers, at dif- 
ferent periods ; his humanity to the sick and the wounded ; his 
kindness to indigent or distressed Americans, in France, &;c. 
&.C. A few anecdotes of the same nature, will serve to exalt 
his character. — Towards the close of the year 1777, or begin- 
ning of 1778, Lafayette arrived at the camp near Albany, at 
the very moment when one Butler, a captain in the British 
army, was about to be executed, by the command of Arnold. 
He instantly arrested the punishment, in order to examine into 
the case. The man was undoubtedly guilty, but the young 
general took advantage of some informality in the proceedings, 
and the deliverance of Butler was the first act of his com- 
mand.* — At a time when his liberality had so reduced his 
funds, that he was obliged to write to France to procure sup- 
plies, he, one day, while inspecting the camp, perceived a man 
miserably dressed, seated at the foot of a tree, his face covered 
with his hands, and elbows resting on his knees, so profoundly 
immersed in mela; choly, that he did not perceive the approach 
of the general: Lafayette stopped some minutes to observe 
him, and hearing him sigh, inquired the cause of his grief, with 
a tone of voice and sweetness peculiar to himself. The man 
informed him that he had recently joined the army, and had 
left a young wife, and two little children, who depended en- 
♦ M*m. Hist. p. 128-9. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 321 

tirely on his industry for their support, and that the forlorn con- 
dition of his family did not allow him a moment's peace. The 
general inquired his address, and told him not to distress him- 
self, as he would provide for his family. It is hardly necessa- 
ly to add, that this promise was faitlifuUy kept.* — Early in the 
year 1780, a young native of Irelandf was compelled to leave 
Ireland, in consequence of his patriotic zeal in favour of the 
freedom and independence of his country ; and he retired to 
Paris, where he met with general de Lafayette. At that 
time, an invasion of Ireland from France, was the topic of con- 
versation in the military and political circles of the French capi- 
tal. Lafayette made many inquiries of the young Irishman, 
concerning the state of Ireland ; and they separated for the 
time. The patriotic exile of Erin subsequently returned to his 
country, established a newspaper, was dragged before the Irish 
house of commons, for his ardour in the cause of oppressed 
Ireland, and ultimately felt himself compelled to emigrate to 
tlie United States, after undergoing a most vexatious and ex- 
pensive prosecution. — He arrived at Philadelphia, in the year 
1784, in company with a gentleman who had a letter of intro- 
duction to general Washington. This gentleman proceeded to 
Mount Vernon, where he found Lafayette. In the course of 
conversation, the latter inquired about his yoiing Irish acquamt- 
ance, whose examination before the house of commons had 
been published in the American papers. He was then inform- 
ed that the persecuted Irishman had arrived in Philadelphia. 
A few days afterwards, Lafayette visited that city, and sent 
for the gentleman for whom he had evinced so much solicitude. 
An interview took place. The general asked many questions, 
and, among others, what his young friend intended to do in this 
country .'' He replied that, as soon as he received funds from 
Ireland, it was his intention to establish a newspaper. The 
next morning, the Irish gentleman received a polite note from 
Lafayette, enclosing four hundred dollars, in notes of the 

* Mem. of Lafayette, p. 24, 25. 
,. \ Mathew Carey, Esq. now living in Philadelphia. 

41 



323 HISTORY OF THE 

bank of North America, without any explanation of its object. 
The grateful stranger hastened to the lodgings of the general, 
to express his feelings on the occasion ; but the benevolent 
hero had taken his departure from the city, on his way to New- 
York, to embark for Europe. — With the money thus received, 
a paper was forthwith established ; and, after years of laborious, 
honourable, and patriotic exertions, the Irish gentleman, who, 
from adverse events in Ireland, never received the expected 
remittances from that country, has attained a degree of respec- 
tability, wealth, and eminence, no less useful to the public, than 
creditable to himself. — Comment on an act so opportunely 
beneficent, proceeding from motives so purely philanthropic, so 
evincive of his ardent attachment to liberty and to its friends 
throughout the world, and so productive of valua,ble private and 
public advantages, would be entirely superfluous : the facts will 
touch the heart of every man of sensibility, and shed additional 
lustre on the pure and exalted character of the "friend of 
Washington, of America, and mankind," * — At Green Spring, 
Virginia, Lafayette dashed into the fire of Cornwallis' infantry, 
and met with captain Doyle, of the third Pennsylvania regiment, 
wounded in the leg, and leaning against a tree. The general 
ordered his servant to dismount, and dismounting himself, placed 
Doyle on his attendant's horse. While he was assisting him to 
mount, the wounded officer received a musket ball in his left 
shoulder. But die gallant Lafayette did not leave him until he 
saw him in a place of safety, and thus saved the life of one of 
the bravest captains of the Pennsylvania line.f — During the 
French revolution, when the commune of Paris insisted on his 
acceptance of his emoluments as commander-in-chief of the 
national guard, which he refused to accept, he used to them the 
following language : " If I required pecuniary assistance, I 

* It is a remarkable circumstance, that after a separation of nearly half a 
century, tlie actors in this scene again met on the spot where it was first 
opened by the well-timed munificence of Lafayette ; and that, with singular 
keeping, it was closed by the voluntary and honourable repayment of the 
gift. 

' Allen M'Lane's Journal. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 323 

would have demanded it : but, at this time, wlien the sufferings 
of our citizens, and the necessary expenditures, are so great, I 
cannot consent to increase them. My fortune is sufficient for 
the station which I hold."* — In the beginning of 1822, soon 
after the revolution in Piedmont, many distinguished Italians, 
threatened with the vengeance of the Sardinian government, 
fled into France. Louis XVIII, being cousin to the king of 
Sardinia, formed the dastardly project of apprehending, and 
punishing these poor refugees. One of them applied to Lafay- 
ette for protection, who requested an American gentleman to 
take the Italian out of France with him, as a servant. The 
exile was soon included in the passport under a feigned name, 
and they were on the point of setting out for Havre, when in- 
formation was received that the Bourbon government had alter- 
ed their intentions, and would no longer molest the refugees from 
Piedmont. — When Lafayette embarked for America, in 1777, 
he possessed an income of one hundred and forty-six thousand 
francs, or about twenty-eight thousand seven hundred dollars. 
During the six years, from 1777, to 1783, he expended in the 
American service, of his private fortune, seven hundred thousand 
francs, equal to one hundred and forty thousand dollars !f — 
We conclude these anecdotes, with an incident which presents 
his character in the most dehghtful point of view : — In March, 
1803, congress made a grant of eleven thousand five hundred 
and twenty acres of land to general Lafayette. In the year 
following, he was authorized to locate his warrant on any va- 
cant land in the territory of Orleans ; and, on the seventh April, 
1806, his agent in this countiy did locate a tract of one thousand 
acres vacant land, adjoining the city of New-Orleans. On the 
third March, 1807, congress, without adverting to this location 
in behalf of the general, and indeed, wholly unconscious of the 
fact that it had been made, granted to the corporation of the 
city of New-Orleans, a space of six hundred yards around the 
fortifications of the city, including a valuable portion of the very 

*M6m. Hist. 183. 

* Colonel Hayne's Speech in Congress, December 20, 1824. 



324 HisTony of the; 

land which had been previously entered by Lafayette. He 
was immediately informed of the fact. It was stated to him 
that his right to this land was unquestionable, and the legal 
opinion of an eminent lawyer and jurist was forwarded to 
him, with the assurance that, in a contest with the city of New- 
Orleans, he must succeed. The value of the land had been 
discovered, and fifty thousand dollars could, even then, have 
been obtained for the general's title to it. But what was the 
conduct of Lafayette, on being informed of these facts ? He, 
promptly and without hesitation, communicated to his aaient, 
"that he would not consent even to inquire into the validity of 
his title ; that he could not think of entering into litigation with 
any public body in tlie United States ; that the property had 
been gratuitously bestowed upon him by the United States, and 
it v^as with them to say what had been given ;" and he accom- 
panied these declarations with a positive direction to his agent 
to relinquish his entiy, Jmd to make a location elsewhere. This 
was done, and the land substituted for that wliich was lost, is of 
very inconsiderable value ; while on a portion of that which 
was so generously relinquished, now stands a valuable part of 
the city of New-Orleans, valued, according to correct estimates, 
at from four to Jive hundred thousand dollars.* 

On the twenty-fourtli of December, 1807, Lafayette experi- 
enced a blow which it required all his religion and philosophy 
to support. His wife, — his best friend, his faithful and heroic 
companion ; adorned with every virtue ; pious, modest, gene- 
rous, and faithful; affectionate, yet firm, and gentle, yet resolv- 
ed, — the long-tried wife of his bosom, at length sunk under her 
misfortunes, and was torn from the arms of her husband at an 
age when she might have expected many years of happiness m 
store. But the dastardly ferocity of tyrants brought to an un- 
timely grave, in the forty-seventh year of her age, a woman who 
was once the soul of her numerous family, the support of the 
poor, the ornament of her country, and the honour of her sex. — - 
She was, indeed, a superior and admirable woman, possessing 

* Colonel Hayne's (of S. Carolina.) Speech in Congress, Dec. 20, 1834, 



MARq,UIS DE LAFAYETTE. 325 

the high polish of the ancient nobility, eloquent, and animated. 
In the society of a cherished husband, and affectionate children, 
she regretted nothing of jjast splendour, and was happy in re- 
tirement. — In her charming daughters, was found none of that 
insipid languor, or wretched affectation, which, in young women 
of fashion, so much destroys originality of character, and shows 
us, in one fashionable young lady, the i rototype of ten thousand.* 
Their only son, George Washington Lafayette, served from 
the commencement of the war, in 1800, as one of the guides 
d'honneur to the guards of the first consul, and armed and 
equipped himself at his own expense, and never consented to re- 
ceive any pay. General Grouchy appointed him his aid-de- 
camp, as he was extremely intelligent, brave, active, and an 
officer of great merit. Bonaparte extended the resentment he 
bore the father to all attached to the family of Lafayette. But 
this unworthy treatment did not prevent George Washington 
from continuing his services, with great and distinguished ac- 
tivity, even when the emperor caused it to be insinuated to 
him that he ought to tender his resignation. At the battle of 
Eylau, he twice saved the life of general Grouchy. The lat- 
ter made a brilliant report of his conduct, and requested a pro- 
motion for him and the legion of honour : the great and mag- 
nanimous Napoleon petulantly erased his name from the report, 
not even permitting it to appear in the bulletin ! The young 
officer, nevertheless, continued in service, and did not retire to 
La Grange, until after the ratification of peace at Tilsit. — In 
1803, he married mademoiselle de Tracy, daughter of tlie 
count and senator of that name, a very engaging and interesting 
lady. They have five children, the eldest of which is a young 
woman of twenty years of age, the favourite of her grandfather. — 
In 1795, he was sent with his tutor to America, to avoid the 
horrors of French democracy. As soon as he was informed 
of his arrival in Boston, general Washington wrote to a friend, 
the honourable George Cabot, requesting him to visit the young 
gentleman, and make him acquainted with the relations between 
• Mem. Lafayette, p. 30^-4.— Trotter's Life of Fox, p. 203. 



326 HISTORY OF THE 

this country and Fiance, wiiich would prevent the president of 
the United States from publicly espousing his interest; but 
"assure liim," to use Washington's words, "of my standing in 
the place of, and becoming to him, a father, friend, protector, 
and supporter.'''' * 

Mademoiselle Anastasie Lafayette, married Charles Latour 
Maubourg, the brother of her father's companion in misfortune. 
He united to a cold, yet agreeable exterior, great sensibility and 
courage, with very little ambition. His family consists of four 
children, of whom two are married, and one of them has two 
children. — Mademoiselle Virginia Lafayette married M. de 
Lasteyrie, nephew of the celebrated agriculturist of that name. 
He served with his brother-in-law, George Washington, in the 
campaigns of Jena, Eylau, Friedland, &ic. where he greatly 
distinguished himself. The emperor, who knew that he was 
the son-in-law of Lafayette, gave him neither the cross of ho- 
nour, nor any military advancement; and always erased his 
name from the list of officers recommended for promotion. — 
This amiable and most interesting family seem united by one 
bond of affection, and to desire nothing beyond the circle of 
their tiaaquil mansion : they constantly present for contempla- 
tion, the most perfect unity of family interests, habits, taste, and 
affections.! 

Blessed with the mens sana in corpore sano, — in the full 
possession of every faculty and talent he ever possessed, the 
memory of Lafayette has all tlie tenacity of unworn youthful 
recollection. His conversation is brilliantly enriched with anec- 
dotes of all that is celebrated, in character and event, for the 
last fifty years. He speaks and writes English witli the same 
fluency and ease as he does his native tongue ; and has made 
himself master of all that is best wortli knowing in English litera- 
ture and philosophy. He converses upon almost every subject 
worthy to engage the mind of a great and good man ; some- 
times in French, sometimes in English ; always with eloquence, 

*Mem. Lafayette, 280-1, 293. -Biog. Die. 591.— Trotter's LifeFox,202. 
t Mem. Lafayette, 271, 293, 294.— Lady Morgan's France, 322. 



MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE. 327 

fluency, and spirit. Li his epistolary correspondence, he is 
every where bold and patriodc ; and his letters are marked by 
the frankness and penetration of a noble and vigorous mind. 
His elegant, and well-chosen collection of books, occupies the 
highest apartment in one of the towers of the chateau. It is 
a circulai- room, adorned with the busts of Washington. Frank- 
lin, and other distinguished American patriots. Here, seated 
at his desk, he can see, on his left, his whole farm, and his 
stables, and on his right, the park, and a very large and elegant 
lawn, covered with luxuriant grass. Like the study of Mon- 
taigne, it hangs over the farm-yard of the philosophical agricul- 
tiu-ist. " It frequently happens," said he to Lady Morgan, 
"that my merinos, and my hay-carts, dispute my attention with 
your Hume, or our own Voltaire." * 

The unbent and noble figure of Lafayette is still as upright, 
bold, and vigorous, as the mind that informs it. Grace, strength, 
and dignity, distinguish the fine person of this extraordinary 
man; who, though fifty years before the world, engaged in 
scenes of strange and eventful conflict, does not yet appear to 
have passed his climacteric. Bustling and active in business, 
graceful and elegant in society, it is difficult to trace in one of 
tlie most successful agriculturists, and one of the most perfect 
fine gentlemen, a warrior, and a legislator. — But the patriot is 
always discernible. His manners are plain and unostentatious ; 
his address kind and conciliating. During the American revo- 
lution, his sedateness and gravity, and the simplicity of his man- 
ners, could not fail to attract attention. Conversing about him 
one day at the table of general Washington, Mrs. Washington 
remarked that all his dress was singularly plain, — that he never 
wore ruffles — and that he had nothing like show about him, ex- 
cept in the caparison of his horse. — He is now nearly sixty- 
eight years of age ; his portly form, about five feet eleven inches 
high ; his eyes, and eye-brows, prominent ; but liis fine fore- 
head, partially concealed by a wig. His graceful and dignified 
manners soon put his company perfectly at their ease. Great 
•Morgan's France, 323.— Fox's Life, 204.— Mem. Lafayette, 299. 



328 HISTORY OF THE 

mildness beams in his countenance, vvhich, in conversation, is 
brightened by a smile which carries with it evidence that it pro- 
ceeds from the heart. He is lame, from a fracture of the thigh 
bone in tlie year 1 803, but not so much as materially to impede 
his progress. His dress is that of the plainest citizen. 

Such is Lafayette. His name has long been consecrated to 
fame ; and his existence has been so intimately woven into the 
history of his country, that her records and her chronicles must 
have mouldered into nothing, ere his renown shall be forgotten^ 
or the memory of his deeds have faded into oblivion. His il- 
lustrious name will be venerated by posterity ; for his virtues 
and his deeds have distinguished it in an age, " when extensive 
celebrity is no trifling possession ; when the world appears to 
have conspired for the destruction of mediocrity ; and is agreed 
to repulse, witli contempt, the ambitious pretenders that besiege, 
on all sides, the temple of renown." 

Lafayette, desirous of again beholding die scenes of his youth- 
ful glory, having expressed his intention of re-visiting this coun- 
tiy, congress, on the fourth of February, 1824, " Resolved, that 
whenever the president shall be informed of the time when the 
marquis may be ready to embark, a national ship, with suitable 
accommodations, be employed to bring him to the United States." 
The modest, unassurhing, and consistent patriot, declined the 
honour of going in a national vessel, preferring a passage in a 
private ship. On the twelfth of July, 1824, he embarked on 
board the packet ship Cadmus, and on the sixteenth of August, 
landed at New-York^ when first arose the sound of that uni- 
versal acclamation, which has since been echoed from the Cor- 
dilleras and the Andes. 

Republics have been charged with ingratitude, and Europe- 
ans, ignorant of the whole structure of our government, and the 
course of our policy, have supposed that the charge is justified 
by our own example. But when it shall become fully known 
abroad how the United States have, on all occasions, acted to- 
wards general de Lafayette ; when it shall be understood that, 



MARqUIS DE LAFAYETTE. iJ29 

in addition to other proofs of our gratitude,* we approach him 
in his old age with the expressions of our affectionate attach- 
ment, it may perhaps be acknowledged that there can be no bet- 
ter inheritance than the gratitude of a free people. 

To conclude in the language of a celebrated writer,f it may, 
indeed, be said, that Lafayette, himself, enjoys a singular dis- 
tinction : for it is a strange thing in the providence of God, one 
that never happened before, and will, probably, never happen 
again, that an individual from a remote quarter of the world, 
having assisted to lay the foundation of a great nation, should be 
permitted thus to visit the posterity of those he served, and wit- 
ness, on a scale so vast, the work of his own sacrifices ; the re- 
sult of grand principles in government, for which he contended 
before their practical effect had been tried ; the growth and 
maturity of institutions which he assisted to establish, when their 
operation could be calculated only by the widest and most clear 
sighted circumspection. We rejoice in it, for it is, we doubt 
not, the most gratifying and appropriate reward that could be 
offered to a spirit like his. In the beautiful phrase which Taci- 
tus has applied to Germanicus, fruiiurfama ; for he must be 
aware, that the ocean which rolls between us and Europe, ope- 
rates like the grave on all feelings of passion and party, and 
that the voice of gratitude and admiration, which now rises to 
greet him from every city, every village, and every heart, of 
this wide land, is as pure and sincere as the voice of posterity'. 

* On the twenty-eighth of December, 1824, an act was passed by con- 
gress, directing the secretary of the treasury to pay to general Lafayette, 
in consideration of his services and sacrifices in the war of the revolution, 
the sura of two hundred thousand dollars; and also granting to him and 
his heirs, one township of land, to be laid out and located under the authority 
of the president, in any of the unappropriated lands of the United States. — 
By this act, the respresentatives of the American people have conferred a 
lasting benefit on their country ; they have performed a great moral duty ; 
they have substantially proved to the world that republics are not always 
ungrateful. 

t North American Review, January, 1825. 

42 



THE TOUR 

OF 

GENERAL LAFAYETTE 



CHAPTER X. 

LANDING OP THE NATION's GUEST AT NEW-YORK, AND HIS 
VISIT TO THE EASTERN STATES IN 1824. 

As soon as it was known in the United States that the Mar- 
quis Lafayette had once more embarked for the shores of his 
adopted country, a general joy pervaded the nation, and all 
classes of citizens were prepared to take a lively interest in his 
arrival. The cities of New- York and Boston particularly, an- 
ticipated the event with some degree of impatience, and enter- 
ed into such general arrangements for his reception, as were 
best calculated to do honour to themselves and their illustrious 
guest. 

General Lafayette, accompanied by his son, George Wash- 
ington Lafayette, Mi\ Auguste Le Vasseur, and one servant, 
arrived in the harbour of New- York on the morning of the 15th 
of August, in the ship Cadmus, captain AUyn, after a pleasant 
passage of 31 days from Havre. His arrival was made 
known by the Telegraph at an early hour, and spread through 
the city with electrical rapidity. Broadway was soon thronged, 
and the Battery crowded with people, who sallied forth with 
the expectation that the hero and veteran of two revolutions, 
would come directly to the city. The arrangements of the city 
authorities, however, for his reception, having been seasonably 
communicated to him, he landed at Staten Island, and was con- 
ducted to the seat of the Vice President, where he remained 
through the day, and passed the night. Fort Lafayette fired a 
salute as the ship passed, and a salute was fired as the General 
landed. 



332 THE TOUR OF 

In the city the national flag was immediately hoisted and dig- 
played at all the public places during the day. 

Proceedings, upon reception of the Marquis Lafayette into 
the city of New- York, on Monday, the 16th of August. 

Arrangements of the Corporation. 

The committee of arrangements of the Corporation have the 
pleasure to annoimce to their fellow citizens the arrival of the 
distinguished guest of their country, the Marquis de Lafayette. 

The following are the arrangements made for his reception 
in the city : 

The Committee of Arrangements of the Corporation, the 
Generals and other officers of the United States Army, the offi- 
cers of the Navy, the Major Generals and the Brigadier Gene- 
rals of the Militia, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, 
the Committee from the Society of Cincinnati, will proceed at 
9 o'clock this day, to Staten Island, where the Marquis is lodg- 
ed, and escort him to the city. They will be accompanied by 
the steam-boats, all with decorations, except that in which the 
Marquis is embarked, which will only have the flag of the United 
States, and the flag of New- York ; bands of music being in 
each. 

The Marquis' embarkation will be announced by a salute 
from Fort Lafayette, and the steam-ship Robert Fulton. 

The forts in the harbour will also salute as the vessels pass. 

The masters of vessels are requested to hoist their flags at 
mast-head, and where convenient, to dress their vessels. 

The bells of the city will be rung from 12 to 1 o'clock. 

The portrait room of the City Hall is appropriated to the 
Marquis, where, during his stay, he will after this day, between 
the hours of 12 and 2 o'clock, receive the visits of such of the 
citizens as are desirous of paying their respects to him. 

The Committee of Arrangements of the Corporation having 
accepted the proffered services of the steam-ship Robert Fulton, 
and the steam-boats Chancellor Livingston, Oliver Ellsworth, 
Henry Eckford, Connecticut, Bellona, Olive Branch, Nautilus, 
&tc. ; they were all superbly dressed with flags and stream- 
ers of every nation, and directed to meet and form an aquatic 
escort between the south part of the Battery and Governor's 
Island, and thence proceed in order to Staten Island. The 
spectacle, as the boats were assembling, vi^as truly interesting 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 333 

and beautiful. The Battery was crowded with respectable 
people of both sexes ; Castle Garden was filled, and every boat 
that arrived to take its station, was completely crowded with 
elegant dressed ladies and gentlemen. The appearance of the 
Robert Fulton, as she came down the East River, from the Na- 
vy Yard, escorted by the Connecticut and Oliver Ellsworth, all 
superbly decorated, was rich beyond description. Her yards 
were manned to the round-tops, with about 200 seamen from 
the Constitution, who made an elegant appearance, and a bat- 
talion of marines, under the command of Major Smith, was on 
board, with a band of music, and many of the Naval Otficers 
upon this station, together with several ladies and private gentle- 
men. 

Arrived at the place of redezvous, the several vessels com- 
prising the fleet took their station, and proceeded in regular 
order to the quarantine, as follows : — First, the Chancellor 
Livingston, on board of which were the committee of the Cor- 
poration, Major General Morton and suite, a number of the 
members of the Cincinnati, including Colonels Willet, Varick, 
Trumbull, Piatt, and others, together with a few ladies, several 
officers and professors from West Point, accompanied by the 
excellent military band attached to that institution. On the 
right of the Chancellor, and about a length in rear, was the 
Connecticut, and on the left, to correspond, was the Oliver Ells- 
worth. Directly in the rear of the Chancellor, was the Robert 
Fulton, whose lofty masts and wide-spread arms, which literal- 
ly swarmed with men, towered proudly above her less pretend- 
ing, but not less gay and beautiful consorts. On the right of 
the Robert Fuhon, about a length in the rear, was the Bellona, 
and on the left, the Henry Eckford, in a station to correspond ; 
and the squadron was closed by the Olive Branch and Nautilus. 
The signals exchanged, and the steam-boats having attained 
their stations, as above stated, the squadron got under weigh, 
amidst the cheers of thousands of delighted spectators. The 
view of this fleet will perhaps never be forgotten. It was not 
only unique, but beyond a doubt, one of the most splendid 
spectacles ever witnessed on this part of the globe." The squad- 
ron, bearing six thousand of our fellow citizens, majestically 
took its course towards Staten Island, there to take on board 
our long expected and honoured guest. At 1 o'clock the fleet 
arrived at Staten Island, and in a few minutes, a landau was 
seen approaching the Hotel, near the ferry. The Marquis, 



334 THE TOUR OF 

the Vice-President, and the Ex-Governor Ogden, of New-Jer- 
sey, having alighted, a procession was formed, and the venera- 
ble stranger, supported by these gentlemen, followed by all the 
officers of the Island, and a crowd of citizens, passing through 
a triumphal arch, round which was tastefully entwined the 
French and American colours. As soon as the Marquis and 
suite entered on the broad stairs, connected with, and leading 
to the steam-boat which was to convey him to the city, he was 
received by the committee of the Common Council, who con- 
ducted him on board the Chancellor Livingston. On entering 
this splendid vessel, the marines paid him military honours. 
He was now introduced to the committees from most of our 
honoured Associations, and the General Officers, representing 
the Infantry. The West Point band all this time was playing 
" See the Conquering Hero Comes," " Ou pent on etre mieux" 
" Hail Columbia," and the "Marseilles Hymn." The steam- 
ship now fired a salute, and the whole squadron got under 
weigh for the city, in the same order as before, except that the 
Bellona and Olive Branch, fastened each side of the Cadmus, 
(the ship which brought the General from France,) decorated 
with colours, and filled with passengers, majestically moved up 
the Bay. The sea was smooth and placid, and the breeze cool 
and agreeable. The most interesting sight, was the reception 
of the General by his old companions in arms : Colonel Marinus 
Wil}et,now in his eighty-fifth year, General Van Courtland, 
General Clarkson, and the other worthies, whom we have men- 
tioned. Colonel Fish, General Lewis, and several of his com- 
rades were absent. He embraced them all affectionately, and 
Colonel Willet again and again. He knew and remembered 
them all. It was a re-union of a long separated family. 

After the ceremony of embracing and congratulations were 
over, he sat down along-side of Colonel Willet, who grew 
young again, and fought all his battles o'er. " Do you remem- 
ber," said he, " at the battle of Monmouth, I was volunteer aid 
to General Scott ? I saw you in the heat of battle. You were 
but a boy, but you were a serious and sedate lad. Aye, aye ; 
I remember well. And on the Mohawk, I sent you fifty In- 
dians, and you wrote me, that they set up such a yell, that they 
frightened the British horse, and they ran one way and the In- 
dians another." 

No person who witnessed this interview, will ever forget it ; 
ihany an honest tear was shed on the occasion. The young 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 335 

meu retired to a little distance, wliile the venerable soldiers 
were indulging recollections, and embracing each other again 
and again ; and the surrounding youth silently dropt the tear they 
could no longer restrain. Such sincere, such honest feeUngs, 
were never more plainly or truly expressed. The sudden 
changes of the countenance of the Marquis, plainly evinced the 
emotions he endeavoured to suppress. He manfully support- 
ed this truly trying situation for some time, when a revolution- 
ary story from the venerable Willet, recalled circumstances 
long passed : the incident, the friend alluded to, made the 
Marquis sigh ; and his swelling heart was relieved, when he 
burst into tears. The sympathetic feelings extended to all pre- 
sent ; and even the hardy tar rubbed away the tear he could 
no longer restrain. The scene was too affecting to be conti- 
nued, and one of the Cincinnati, anxious to divert the attention 
of the Marquis, his eyes flowing with tears, announced the near 
approach of the steam-sliip. The Marquis advanced to the 
quarter railing, where he was no sooner perceived by the mul- 
titude, than an instantaneous cheer most loudly expressed the 
delight they experienced. The other steam-boats in succes- 
sion, presented themselves, and passed, each giving three en- 
thusiastic cheers. The Marquis was delighted, and especially 
with the activity and quickness, with which 200 of our gallant 
seamen manned the yards of the steam-frigate, previous to the 
salute. About 2 o'clock, P. M. the fleet arrived off" the Battery. 
What an impressive scene — 3000 men, making a splendid ap- 
pearance, formed in line with a battering train. The ram- 
parts and parapets of the Castle, were lined with ladies and gen- 
tlemen. The flag-staff", the windows, arid even the roofs of the 
houses facing the Bay, were literally crowded with spectators. 
Hundreds of boats and wherries surrounded the Battery. The 
Marquis left the Chancellor Livingston in a barge, commanded 
by Lieutenant Mix, of the Navy, accompanied by the com- 
mittee of the Corporation, and the Cincinnati, the Generals of 
Infantry, &,c. ; and landed amidst the cheers and acclamations 
of 30,000 people, who filled the Castle, Battery, and surround- 
ing grounds within sight The Marquis now entered the Cas- 
tle, which was tastefully carpeted from the landing place to the 
receivmg rooms. He then partook of some refreshment, and 
was introduced to some distinguished citizens. Perceiving the 
restless anxiety of nearly 3000 persons in the Castle, to see the 
General, the Marquis advanced to the centre of the rear of the 



336 THE TOUR OF 

Castle, and was greeted with loud cheers. From Gastle Gar- 
den, he proceeded with the appointed committee, and the mili- 
tary and naval officers, to review the line of troops under the 
command of Brigadier General Benedict. The muster was, 
on this occasion, unusually numerous and splendid, each corps 
vieing with the others in paying a tribute of respect to the soldier 
of the revolution, the friend and companion of Washington. 
After the review, the General, accompanied by general Morton, 
entered a barouche, drawn by four horses. 

The committee of the Corporation, accompanied by the 
General's son, George Washington Lafayette, and his secre- 
tary, Mr. La Vasseur, followed the carriages. The General 
was escorted by a corps of cavahy, and at the head of the 
column of troops, proceeded up Broadway to the City 
Hall. The crowds which had assembled to pay honour to the 
respected visitor, and to be gratified with a view of his person, 
were such as almost to prevent the passage of the carriages and 
the troops. The scene could not but have afforded to the Gene- 
ral the most delightful gratifications. — The houses to the ver}' 
roofs were filled vvitli spectators, and to the incessant cheers of 
the multitude, graceful females signified their welcome by the 
silent, but not less grateful and affecting testimony of the waving 
of handkerchiefs. 

Arrived at the City Hall, the Marquis was conducted by the 
committee to the Common Council chamber, where the cor- 
poration were assembled. The members of the Common 
Council rose on his entrance, and upon being presented by the 
Chairman, Alderman Zabriskie, to the Mayor, his honour ad- 
dressed him in tlie following speech : — 

Address of the Mayor. 

General — In the name of the municipal authority of the city, 
I bid you a sincere welcome to the shores of a country, of 
whose freedom and happiness you will ever be considered one 
of the most honoured and beloved founders. 

Your only contemporaries in arms, of whom indeed but few 
remain, have not forgot, and their posterity will never forget, 
the young and gallant Frenckman who consecrated his youth, 
his talents, his fortune and his exertions, to their cause — who 
exposed his life — who shed his blood, that they might become 
free and happy. They will recollect with profound emotion, 
so long as they remain worthy of the liberties they enjoy, and 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 331 

of the exertions you made to obtain them, that you came to 
them in the darkest period of their struggle — ^that you linked 
your fortune with theirs, when it seemed almost hopeless — ^that 
you shared in the dangers, privations and sufferings of that bit- 
ter struggle, nor quitted them for a moment, till it was consum- 
mated on the glorious field of Yorktown. Half a century has 
passed since that great event, and in that time your name has 
become as dear to the friends, and as inseparably connected 
with the cause of freedom, in the old, as in liie new world. 

The people of the United States look up to you as to one of 
their most honoured parents — the country cherishes you as one 
of the most beloved of her sons. I hope and trust, sir, that not 
only the present, but future conduct of my countrymen, to the 
latest period of time, will, among other slanders, refute the un- 
just imputation, that republics are always ungrateful to their 
benefactors. 

In behalf of my fellow citizens of New- York, and speaking 
the warm and universal sentiments of the whole people of the 
United States, I repeat their welcome to our common country. 

Permit me to add, that the moment of my life, to which 1 
shall look back with the greatest pleasure and pride, will be 
that, in which it fell to my lot, to be an organ, for expressing, 
however feeble, a nation's gratitude. 

General Lafayette's ansicer. 

Sir — ^While I am so affectionately received by the citizens 
of New- York and their worthy representatives, I feel myself 
overwhelmed with inexpressible emotions. The sight of the 
American shore, after so long an absence, the recollection of the 
many respected friends and dear companions, no more to be 
found on this land, the pleasure to recognise those who have sur- 
vived, this immense concourse of a free republican population, 
who so kindly welcome me, the admirable appearance of the 
troops, the presence of a corps of the National Navy, have ex- 
cited sentiments, to which no human language can be ade- 
quate. You have been pleased, sir, to allude to the happiest 
times, the unalloyed enjoyments of my public life ; it is the pride 
of my heart to have been one of the earliest adopted sons of 
America : I am proud also to add, that upwards of forty years 
ago I have been particularly honoured with the freedom of this 
city. I beg you, Mr. Mayor, I beg you, gentlemen, to accept 
yourselves, and to transmit to the citizens of New-York, the 



338 THE TOUR or 

homage of my profound, and everlasting gratitude, devotion, and 
respect. 

The General and his son were then introduced to the mem- 
bers of the common council individually. 

After the adjournment of the Common Council, the Marquis 
received the marching salute in front of the City Hall, and 
again entered the Hall, accompanied by his son and suite, and 
in the Governor's room received the Society of the Cincinnati, 
composed of his surviving brothers and companions in the field, 
a small number of whom still remain to meet and congratulate 
their long absent, but highly respected friend and fellow sol- 
dier. Here also he was met by the officers of the army and 
navy, and many citizens and strangers. From the Hall he was 
accompanied by the Common Council, and many distinguished 
persons, to the City Hotel to dine, escorted by the troops. 

The whole exhibition, from the landing at the Battery, to 
the time of the dispersion of the people at the Park, was in a 
high degree interesting and gratifying. The numbers collect- 
ed were perhaps unequalled on any former festive occasion. 
The houses through Broadway were filled with spectators of 
the first respectability, and the street was crowded with people. 
Every expression of good feeling was manifested from the 
windows, doors, and side-walks ; the stranger was welcomed 
with unfeigned cordiality ; and we think it must have afforded 
TO the Marquis an unusual degree of delight to find that his 
services were remembered and acknowledged, and his name 
cherished by a free and grateful people. 

The day was singularly fine — the water scene exceeded in 
splendour and effect, any thing of the kind that has ever been 
exhibited here. The appearance of the military was highly 
creditable in equipments, movements, and discipline ; and we 
have not a doubt their appearance, when contrasted by his re- 
collection with the suffering troops of the war of Independence, 
must have made a deep impression upon his mind. 

On Wednesday morning, the 18th, in compliance with an 
invitation from Captain Rodgers, commandant of the Navy 
Yard, General Lafayette, attended by the Committee of Ar- 
rangements, and a select circle of ladies and gentlemen, pro- 
ceeded in the elegant steam-boat Chancellor Kent, to visit the 
Navy Yard at Brooklyn. 

As the James Kent passed the Grampus, lying in the North 
River, a salute of 21 guns was fired. 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 339 

The Kent then proceeded round the battery and up the 
East River, until she came to anchor at the dock, where the 
steam-frigate is moored, when the Marquis and the ladies and 
gentlemen of the party disembarked — the United States fri- 
gate Constellation firing at the same time a salute of 21 guns. 
On landing, he was received by three cheers from 200 sailors 
drawn up for the occasion. 

The General then went on board of the steam-frigate, and 
was much pleased with the construction of this formidable and 
unique naval battlement. 

On returning, the jolly tars gave tliree more hearty cheers, 
and the General proceeded in a barge to the Navy Yard ; 
when another salute of 21 guns was fired on his landing, and 
he was received by a battalion of marines. 

The General was then conducted on board the Washington 
74, where refreshments were provided for the whole party. 
After refreshing himself, the General took a rapid survey of 
the ships, and those now building, and returned on board the 
Kent, when another salute was fired by the Constitution. 

Upon the return of the Marquis Lafayette from the Navy 
Yard on Wednesday, he was introduced, with his son, to the 
Historical Society, at their room in the Institution, at 2 o'clock 
P. M. According to a resolution, passed the day before, they 
were made members of the Society. The President, Dr. Ho- 
sack, in his speech to the Marquis, said : 

" General Lafayette — In compliance with the unanimous 
resolutions of the New- York Historical Society, I have the 
gratification to announce to you your election as an honorary 
member of this institution, and to present to you a copy of their 
transactions. 

" In announcing to you the resolution of this society, permit 
me to observe, that it was the exclusive object in the formation 
of this institution, to collect, preserve, and record the materials 
appertaining to the history of our state and country. Among 
these, none have been so precious as those relating to the Re- 
volution, in which you bore a memorable and distinguished part, 
and to whom, under providence, our country is signally indebt- 
ed for its independence, and the prosperity and success that 
have followed in its train. 

" In the name of tliis institution, I also tender to you their 
congratulations upon your safe arrival, which affords you the op- 
portunity to witness the happy condition of that country in whose 



640 THE TOUR OF 

behalf, the sword of your youth was drawn, and personally to 
bear your testimony to the blessings which have followed the 
achievements that have been accomplished by the united eflforts 
of a Washington, and his illustrious companions in arms. Ge- 
neral, my bosom glows at the associations which these events 
bring to our recollection, and every heart in this assembly throbs 
with inexpressible emotions at the sight of the hero who this 
day enters their Hall, and confers a lasting honour upon the 
sittings of this Society. 

" Long, long, Sir, may you live to enjoy the homage so 
justly due, and spontaneously offered from the hearts of a free 
and grateful people, for the services you have rendered to this 
nation, to the world, to liberty, and to the ever memorable es- 
tablishment of the only example on earth — a pure unmixed re- 
publican form of government. 

^ " The same heroic page that records these events, will also 
inscribe in golden capitals, the immortal names of Washinoton 
and Lafayette." 

General Lafayette thereupon rose and replied as follows : — 

" Sir — With the most lively gratitude, I receive the honour 
which the Historical Society of New- York have conferred by 
electing me one of their members. 

" Permit me also thankfully to acknowledge the flattering 
manner in which you are pleased to announce this marii of their 
benevolence. 

" The United States, Sir, are the first nation, on the records 
of history, who have founded their constitutions upon an honest 
investigation, and clear definition of their natural and social 
rights. 

" Nor can we doubt, but that, notwithstanding the combina- 
tions made elsewhere by despotism and aristocracy, against 
those sacred rights of mankind, immense majorities in other 
countries, shall not in vain observe the happiness and prosperi- 
ty of a free, virtuous, and enlightened people." 

The President of the Society next addressed M. George 
Washington Lafayette as follows : — 

" George Washington Lafayette — In accordance with the 
resolution of the New-York Historical Society, I have also the 
honour to present you a similar evidence of membership, with 
that conferred upon your illustrious Sire. 

" May you, Sir, emulate his talents and his virtues ; and may 
^he same undaunted spirit which led him to offer his life at the 



I[^ 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 34L 

altar of freedom, animate the bosom of the son in the same glo- 
rious cause." 

To which the following reply was made : — 

Sir — I cannot find words adequate to the feelings which I 
experience at this moment. 

" Permit me to beg of you to present to the members of this 
Society, the homage of my profound respect and gratitude, for 
the unexpected honour, at diis time conferred upon me." 

The Marquis and his son were then conducted into the Gal- 
lery of Fine Arts and the Lyceum, and afterwards returned to 
the City Hotel, accompanied by Dr. Hosack, General Van 
Courtlandt, and Aldermen Hone and WyckofF. 

In the evening tlie General gave a dinner to Captain Rodgers 
and the Naval Officers on tliis station — after which he rode out 
and made several calls. 

At a meeting of the Common Council for the despatch of 
business in the evening, (Wednesday,) Alderman Zabriskie 
made the following remarks : — 

" Mr. Mayor — At the request of the committee, appointed 
by the Common Council, for the reception of General Lafayette, 
I rise with no ordinary emotions, to propose for the adoption of 
the Common C ouncil, the two resolutions, now before me ; 
resolutions which I feel justified in asserting, will pass with the 
unanimous approbation of this Board. The first, sir, is a reso- 
lution, that a committee be appointed to wait upon General 
Lafayette, and request that he will be pleased to sit for his Por- 
trait, to be placed either in this room, or in the Gallery of Por- 
traits in the City Hall. This room in which we meet, to trans- 
act the municipal concerns of this city, is graced with the full 
length portraits of a Washington, a Clinton, a Jay, and a Ha- 
milton — individuals who have established a name which will 
be transmitted to future generations, and which will remain as 
imperishable as the principles upon which are founded the go- 
vernment, under which we have the happiness to live, and in 
the formation of which, they took a distinguished part. The 
Portrait Room in your Hall is embellished with the portraits of 
many of our most distinguished citizens, civil, military, and naval, 
and who have contributed in no small degree, to establish a na- 
tional character throughout the world — and permit me, sir, to 
add, that there is no individual now living, whose portrait will 
be received with greater admiration and interest, than that of 
our illustrious visitor, General de Lafayette. His name is iden- 



342 THE TOUR OF 

tified with liberty and the rights of man in this, and the trans- 
atlantic world. With these lew unpremeditated remarks, I now 
beg leave to submit the Resolutions. 

Whereas the Common Council are desirous of perpetuating 
the memory of a man, who will be distinguished in the annals 
of our country, for hie love of freedom and military glory — 
whose name will be associated by posterity with that of Wash- 
ington, the illustrious founder of our Republic — and as the por- 
trait of one so venerated, will be always favourable to virtue 
and patriotism : 

Resolved, Therefore, that the honourable, the Major Gene- 
ral the Marquis de Lafayette, be requested to favour this Com- 
mon Council, with sitting for his portrait, to be placed in the 
Gallery of Portraits of the Common Council, among those 
great and good men, who have done honour and service to 
our country. 

Resolved, That the committee of arrangements be request- 
ed to wait upon the Marquis, with a copy of this resolution, and 
on his acceding to the request, that they carry the same into 
effect. 

Resolved, In testimony of the high respect which tliis Com- 
mon Council entertain for George Washington Lafayette, the 
son of tlie Marquis de Lafayette, whose virtues we trust he 
bears with the honoured name of his father, be made a Free- 
man of this city, and that the certificate of freedom, handsome- 
ly engrossed, be presented to him in a Golden Box. 

Resolved, That the committee of arrangements have the 
above resolution carried into effect. 

Alderman Doughty rose and offered the following resolu- 
tion : — 

" Resolved, That the proceedings of this Board, in relation 
to General de Lafayette, together with the address of the Mayor 
to him, and his answer thereto, with his signature in his own 
proper hand writing, and the signatures of the Mayor, Record- 
er, and the members of the Common Council, be handsomely 
engraved on vellum ; one copy thereof to be presented to the 
General, and one copy to be placed among the Archives of the 
Common Council. 

The committee of arrangements were appointed to carry this 
resolution into effect. 

The above resolutions were unanimously adopted by the 
Board. 




W The Mayor read a letter from Captain Francis Alltn, of 
the ship Cadmus, presenting a portrait of General Lafayette to 
the Corporation, with a request that it might be placed in the 
City Hall. The Board accepted the same, and passed a vote 
of thanks to Captain Allyn, the donor. 

To an address of the Gentlemen of the Bar of New-York, 
assembled at the City Hall on Thursday morning, to pay the 
Marquis their respects, he made the following reply : — 

" Testimonies of esteem from so respectable a body as the 
Bar of New- York, are higlily flattering. I most deeply sym- 
pathize with you, gentlemen, in your regret for our friend 
Hamilton, whose prodigious talents made him as eminent m 
your profession, as he had been in our military, when he deserv- 
ed Washington's most intimate confidence. The truly repub- 
lican forms of the American institutions, cannot but endear them 
to every citizen of the United States. Yet, to any one, who, 
with an American heart, has had opportunities of a comparison 
with those of other countries, the blessings of those institutions 
must appear still more conspicuous." 

The same attention was also paid the Marquis by the French 
gentlemen of the city, both residents and citizens. The num- 
ber of his countrymen present on this occasion, including the 
respectable and wealthy individuals of that nation, amounted to 
more than two hundred and fifty : and an address was deliver- 
ed in their behalf by Mr. Chegary, in the French language. 
Among the party collected, we understand he recognised an 
old fellow soldier, who had fought under him in this country 
during the revolutionary war, and had served in the French 
army twenty-five years. 

To the affectionate address of the French gentleman the 
Marquis Lafayette replied as follows : — 

" It is a great happiness for me, on my arrival in this land of 
liberty, to receive the address of my countrymen. 

" At the moment of my departure, the testimonials of affec- 
tionate attachment of many of my fellow citizens, tlie parting 
accents from the shores of France, left in my heart the most 
grateful emotions. I delight to participate with you, the feel- 
ings which I experienced in this happy American land, to which 
I am bound by so many ties. We also, patriots of 1789, sought 
to establish the national dignity, the security of property, and 
the happiness of our beautiful France, upon the sacred founda- 
tions of liberty and equality. Notwithstanding our misfortunes, 



^91 



344 THE TOUB OP j| 

the cotemporaries of that epoch will inform you, that the revo- 
lution of '89, has greatly ameliorated the condition of an im- 
mense majority of die people. Do not let us despair of the 
cause of liberty : it is still dear to the hearts of Frenchmen ; 
and we shall one day have the felicity of seeing it established in 
our beloved country." 

At 12 o'clock, the Nautical Society, chiefly composed of our 
most respectable masters of vessels, assembled on board the 
ship Cadmus, Captain Allyn, and proceeded to the City Hall. 
Here they were severally introduced to the General, who re- 
ceived them in his usual frank and cordial manner. 

The packet ship Cadmus, was dressed with the flags of all 
nations : and in compliance with a public invitation, thousands 
of our citizens repaired on board in the course of the day, and 
partook of a cold collation, liberally prepared by Captain Allyn 
and her owners. 

After the Marquis' arrival at New-York, he early announced 
his intention to visit Boston, where he had been particularly in- 
vited by distinguished individuals, and by the city authority ; 
especially as the commencement at the University in Cambridge, 
the literary jubilee of the State, was to be celebrated in a few 
days. While in New- York, he received invitations from Phila- 
delphia, Albany, New-Haven, Hartford, and some other cities, 
to make a visit to those places ; but his desire was first to visit 
Boston, if possible. 

The interesting visit at New-York being closed — at an early 
hour on Friday morning, a scene of general bustle and activity 
commenced, preparatory to the departure of the General for 
Boston. The city corporation had provided an elegant carriage 
to accommodate him on his journey to Boston, and deputed four 
of their number to attend him on his route. At 7 o'clock, the 
Horse Artillery, commanded by Colonel Arcularius, paraded 
in Broadway, in front of Washington Hall ; and at 8 o'clock, 
they took up their line of march to Harlem, where they super- 
seded the escort which accompanied him to that place. This 
escort consisted of a squadron of cavalry, the Corporation in 
carriages, the Fayette Guards, the General, Field, and Staff 
officers of the Artillery and Infantry of the city, and a number 
of citizens mounted. 

The General was met at Hailem, on Friday morning, by a 
deputation from the town of New-Rochelle, who presented him 
with the following address : — 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 345 

'' The inhabitants of the town of New-Rochelle, have deput- 
ed Gideon Coggeshall and Laird Id. H. Butler, to wait on 
Major General Lafayette, to express to him their happiness, on 
his safe arrival, in the bosom of that country, for whose liberty 
he so nobly fought and bled, and to request him to allow them 
the pleasure of expressing personally to him their feelings of 
gratitude for liis important services, in that arduous struggle, 
from wliich emanated that glorious independence, now their 
proudest boast." 

He stopped at New-Rochelle, and took refreshment. " Do 
you remember, General," said one, " who began the attack at 
Brandywine ?" "Aha ! Yes — it was Maxwell, with the Jer- 
sey troops !" " So it was ! so it was !" replied the delighted 
interrogator. "Well, I was with his brigade !" A warm grasp 
of the hand was all the utterance to feelings, which were 
meet reward for a life spent in the cause of liberty. The ut- 
most joy, and the most affectionate welcome was expressed in 
all the towns and villages through which he passed to the line 
between New- York and Connecticut. 

At Byram Bridge he was received by a troop of Comiecticut 
Horse Artillery. The first troop of New- York Horse, and the 
Connecticut squadron, escorted him to Putnam's Hill, where a 
salute was fired ; after which Colonel Arcularius' troop gave 
the General nine cheers, as their duties here closed. The 
General returned them his warmest thanks. 

The following extract of a letter from a young Lady at 
Greenwich, bearing date Friday evening, August 20th, will 
further illustrate the reception of the Marquis on his route : — • 

" The news that the Marquis de Lafayette was to pass through 
this town to-day, was received yesterday afternoon. Nothing 
however was done, and I began to fear that old Connecticut 
would disgrace itself ; but this morning, the spirit of '76 ap- 
peared to animate all ranks and descriptions. Orders were 
given for the troops to proceed to Byram, and escort the Gene- 
ral to Norwalk, where, it was understood, the New-Haven troop 
would be in waiting. Fortunately, it entered into the heads of 
a few, that an arch, erected over Putnam's Hill, would have a 
fine effect. A number of ladies volunteered their services in 
erecting and adorning it ; and the Reverend Doctor Lewis, 
who was himself a chaplain in the revolutionary army, was re- 
quested to write a short inscription. The inscription which was 
hung in the centre, suiTounded bv a wreath of sweetbriar and 

44' 



346 



■riliC TOUR Of 



roses, was as follows : — " This arch, on the hill rendered me- 
morable by the brave General Putnam, is erected in honour of 
the illustrious, the Marquis de Lafayette — the early and dis- 
tinguished champion of American liberty, and the tried friend 
of Washington." The arch was very tastefully enwreathed, 
and from its top waved the flag which the regiment of this place 
carried in the battle of Whiteplains. 

" After waiting till nearly 5 o'clock, our ears were gladdened 
with the sound of their approach. The cannon which had been 
previously sent on, fired, the church bell rang a merry peal, 
and hundreds of spectators, of both sexes, stationed on and 
about the hill, welcomed the General with loud huzzas, and 
waving of hats and handkerchiefs. When the Marquis arrived 
at Tracy's Hotel, (within 40 rods of the arch,) he dismounted, 
and was there introduced to the venerable Doctor Lewis, who 
took him by the hand, and (as near as I can recollect,) address- 
ed him as follows : — 

" ' Sir, — With the millions of America, I welcome you to 
this land of freedom, and rejoice that God has spared my life 
to see that veteran General, who so eminently distinguished him- 
self in procuring her liberties.' 

" The Marquis then advanced to the arch, supported by the 
Reverend Doctor Lewis, and his son, the present minister of 
the parish. The inscription was read to him by the latter. He 
appeared much pleased and affected, advanced a few steps, 
bowed to the gentlemen who were stationed on one side of the 
hill, turned to the ladies on the other side, and said, — 'My 
friends, I am very much obliged to you for the attention you 
have paid to me, and feel happy to find myself among you.' 

" He then walked down the hill, took his carriage, and pro- 
ceeded on his journey, expecting to lodge at Norwalk, or 
Bridgeport at night. On parting with him, Doctor Lewis said, 
'Sir, America loves you' — 'And, Sir,' said the Marquis, '/ 
truly love AmericM.'' " 

The cavalcade arrived at Stamford about haii past five, and 
the private Mansion of the honourable John Davenport was 
thrown open for his reception. The General remained at this 
house for half an hour, and received the visits of many hundred 
persons of both sexes. A salute was fired, the bells rung, and 
this beautiful town with its gay inhabitants, particularly distin- 
guished for many handsome women, exhibited all the life and 
gayety of a city. Hundreds of ladies and gentlemen, for ten 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 347 

miles round, visited this town, to see and pay their respects to 
Lafayette. He left Stamford at six, intending if possible to 
reach New-Haven that night. 

The Connecticut troop which met the General at the line, 
accompanied him through Stamford, and proceeded until they 
met the escort provided further east. 

All business was suspended during the day on the whole 
route ; — all persons were arrayed in their best attire, and many 
remained for hours upon the jroad, waiting for the cavalcade. 

Many old revolutionary soldiers met liim on the route, and 
held hasty discourse on scenes and subjects which they never 
can forget. 

He arrived at Norwalk, at 8 o'clock P. M. where his arri- 
val was announced by a salute from the heights, and discharges 
of musketry. Two companies of uniform mihtia were in wait- 
ing to salute him. An arch was formed across the bridge, with 
the following inscription : — " Welcome Lafayette," in large let- 
ters, on a white ground. On one side of the arch, the Ameri- 
can flag was displayed, and on the other a French flag. As 
the General had been expected from about 1 1 , A. M. Norwalk 
was filled with people from the surrounding country, at an ear- 
ly hour in the day, who remained anxiously waiting until the 
time of his arrival. All business in the town was suspended. 
Among those assembled, were several revolutionary heroes, 
with bosoms beating high, at the thought of shaking by the hand 
their old and beloved comrade, whose memory was associated 
with periods of trial and endurance, which few who experienc- 
ed them, now remain to relate. Gaptain Gibbs, an old revolu- 
tionary officer, about the same age with the Marquis, and who 
was with him in the revolution, joyfully seized his old friend by 
the hand, and introduced him into the village hotel. The 
General easily recognised him, although so great a length of 
time has elapsed since they have seen each other. Mr. Betts, 
who was also in the revolutionary service, had the honour of an 
introduction. The ladies and gentlemen of Norwalk, immedi- 
ately repaired to Cook's Hotel, to bid the Marquis welcome. 
The Marquis departed about 9 o'clock at night, leaving the 
open barouche, and taking the close carriage. 

At Saugatuck the militia were prepared throughout the day, 
to fire a salute ; but owing to the lateness of the hour when the 
cavalcade approached, it being 10 at night, the villagers could 
do no more than give their loud huzzas, as the General passed. 



343 THE TOUR OJb' 

Mill River Bridge was handsomely decorated with colours, by 
the captains of the coasting vessels at anchor in the harbour. 

The General arrived at Fairfield about half past ten at night. 
In this beautiful town, great preparations were made to receive 
him ; but as he had not made' his appearance at a late hour, it 
was supposed he would not arrive until the following day. It 
was calculated that between 1000 and 1200 persons were col- 
lected here, including the inhabitants. They all remained 
until late in the evening, still hoping that he might be on his 
way ; but they were at length reluctantly compelled to give up 
the hope, and all retired, except a few of the most distinguish- 
ed inhabitants of the town, who remained at the Washington 
Hotel, until the General arrived. But before we mention the 
manner in which he was received, we must, in justice to Fair- 
field, state that the villagers had arranged themselves in beau- 
tiful order in the day, and so continued until night. The 
ladies formed themselves on one side of the green, and the 
gentlemen on the other. The female children of the various 
schools were placed in a row immediately in front of the ladies, 
with their instructers at their head — the male children being 
similarly arranged in front of the gentlemen. 

An elegant table was spread at Mr. Knapp's Hotel — the 
young ladies of Fairfield having done themselves the highest 
honour by the taste, as well as patriotism they exhibited on the 
occasion. The decorations of the table were planned on a 
style of the greatest elegance ; the dishes were quite enveloped 
with evergreens and scattering flowers ; and the due propor- 
tions were observed in the succession of viands, as well as in 
the harmony and contrast of colours, which maintained a kind 
of silent correspondence, from the opposite sides of a splendid 
cone, that occupied the centre. On taking their seats at tlie 
table, the guests might have supposed themselves invited to a 
feast of wreaths and flowers, studded with the "crimson hail" 
of winter-greens, cran-berries, and amare-dulcis. The table 
was like the bed of some fairy's enchanted garden, so entirely 
did the decorations overshadow and conceal the rich collation 
beneath. When this verdant veil was removed, the scene was 
changed as suddenly as at the dissolving of a spell, and the 
company could not repress their surprise. The General ex- 
pressed his gratification at this specimen of female taste, and 
regretted that it should be so quickly destroyed, to gratify that 
of the gentlemen. 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. o4D 

At the table, in conversation, he said he remembered well 
the disasters of 1779 — he remarked that he had passed through 
this village in 1 778, the year previous to its being burnt. He 
also declared the high gratification he felt with the parade on 
Putnam's Hill, and that it gave him great happiness to recollect 
that the Flag displayed above the arch across the road, cut 
through the rock, was taken from the enemy at White Plains, 
in the revolutionary struggle. 

The General remained nearly an hour, and then proceeded 
to Bridgeport to lodge, accompanied by many of the inhabitants. 

He arrived between 1 1 and 12 at night. Here also pre- 
parations had been made to receive him, equal to those in any 
other place. The military and citizens remained throughout 
the day and evening, expecting him. The original plan was, 
that the General should dine at Washington Hotel. Late as 
it was when he arrived, several of the inhabitants heard of it, 
and repaired to the Hotel to welcome him ; but all honours 
were necessarily dispensed with until morning. At an early 
hour a salute was fired, the bells were rung, and bands of mu- 
sic added Ufe to the general scene of festivity. The General 
received the attentions of the citizens on the porch, where he 
had taken his station, shaking hands with them all, and joyful- 
ly recognising among them, some of his old companions in 
arms. He recollected Captain Brewster, formerly of the Re- 
venue cutter, of New- York ; also, Salmon Hubbell ; and a 
number who were privates in the revolutionary army knew 
their old General, and had the honour of shaking him by the 
hand. Nearly all business was suspended in the town on Fri- 
day, and the troops remained under arms from 1 1 in the morn- 
ing until late at night. 

The Marquis left Bridgeport about 7 on Saturday morning, 
escorted by the citizens on horseback, and departed amidst the 
discharge of artillery, the ringing of bells, and the cheers of 
tlie people. 

He arrived at Stratford between 8 and 9, where he remain- 
ed about half an hour — a salute was fired, the flags were hoist- 
ed, and the citizens formed along the Main-street, cheered him 
as he passed. He stopped at Mr. Marshall's Hotel a short 
time, and then departed with the blessings of the inhabitants. 

In the following note to the Mayor of New-Haven, the Mar- 
quis had announced his intention to visit that city : — 

Sir, — With profound gratitude 1 have received the flatter- 



350 THE TOUR OF 

ing invitation contained in your letter of the 17th, which your 
honourable committee were pleased to deliver to me. It 
could not but add to my former intention to visit your respected 
metropolis. I much regret that a previous engagement at 
Boston, does not permit my stay at New-Haven to be this time 
as long as I could wish. But I anticipate the honour and plea- 
sure to express to you the morning after to-morrow, my high 
and grateful respects. — I have the honour to be, Sir, your most 
obedient servant, LA FAYETTE. 

Notwithstanding the above annunciation, the citizens of New- 
Haven expected he would enter the city on the night of the 
20th, and their preparations to welcome him were made on the 
most extensive scale — but owing to the assemblages of citizens 
which occupied the roads, all eager to welcome and salute 
him, he could only reach Bridgeport at midnight. His near 
approach to New-Haven was nevertheless announced by a 
spontaneous illumination of the city, and at " the noon of night" 
its entire population was in the streets. 

The Governor's Horse Guards had been sent out to meet 
General Lafayette at the town of Orange, where they re- 
mained through the night, and on the arrival of the General in 
the morning, relieved the escort from Bridgeport; and, ac- 
companied by that from Milford, and a great number of citizens 
who had joined them on horseback and in carriages, set out for 
New-Haven. They entered the city on Saturday morning, 
under a handsome military escort, which conducted the Gene- 
ral and suite to Morse's Hotel, where the General, with his 
suite, was received by the Mayor and other public authorities, 
Governor Wolcott, and other distinguished gentlemen, amidst 
loud and unceasing acclamations. Here he was met by the 
veterans of the revolution, the friends and associates of other 
days, several of whom he recognised and embraced as his com- 
panions in arms, and all were received with a brotherly and 
fond regard. After receiving the respects and congratulations 
of the citizens, together with a large number of ladies, and 
many gentlemen from various parts of the country, some of 
whom came a distance of forty miles to see him, he was saluted 
by the various military corps drawn up in front of the hotel, 
who passed him in review, attended by a division of the stu- 
dents of Yale College, in procession ; after which he took 
breakfast with the Mavor, Aldermen, &;c. with about one bun- 



GENERAL. LAFAYETTE. 351 

drfed invited guests, which was handsomely seized up by Mr. 
Morse, at the expense of the city. 

From the Hotel the General was conducted to the Green in 
the centre of the town, where several companies of fine troops 
were paraded ; and it is difficult for a stranger to conceive any 
thing equal to the scene here presented to the spectator ; that 
fine, level, and verdant piece of ground, surrounded by rows 
of shady elms, and just beyond, by the neat and often elegant 
mansions of the citizens, overtopped by three new and beauti- 
ful churches, and crowned with such cheerful and enthusiastic 
throngs ; enlivened also by the bells, and military instruments, 
and the gayety of female dresses and faces, from a region pro- 
verbial for excelling in beauty; at a distance also bounded by 
the venerable walls of Yale College, for a kind of classic hori- 
zon ; all this when actually before the eyes had not a little the 
effect of pure magic. The Address to him was presented by 
the Honourable Mr. Edwards. — To the following paragraph of 
it, were appended notes — that "In 1778 the General was en- 
camped in that town, with a body of troops ; and that in 1785, 
he was presented with the freedom of the city." — " A genera- 
tion has passed away since our fathers saw you encamped on 
yonder fields ; they beheld your merits, and hastened to enrol 
your name as a fellow citizen." Governor Wolcott made him 
welcome to the State in a short and affectionate address. The 
reply was equally affectionate. — The introductions to him were 
very numerous, and his recognition of many of his old com- 
panions in arms, was wonderful. The venerable Colonel Tall- 
madge, of the old army, had rode all night to meet him ; and, 
without introduction, was recognised and embraced by him ; so 
also was Major Munson. Other revolutionary officers were in- 
troduced, and numerous events of times " which tried souls," 
were recalled. The scene was truly affecting, not a dry eye 
could be seen. The beautiful and accomplished Madame G. 
whom he had known in the Parisian circles, was recognised ; 
the presentation of Mr. Wadsworth, of Hartford, recalled to the 
General's feelings the merits of his worthy father, who was 
Commissary General of the French army, when in America ; 
and the son of old Roger Sherman, recalled to mind the patri- 
otic services of that venerable and truly honourable statesman 
and signer of the Declaration of Independence. An old sol- 
dier, on being introduced, exclaimed : — ^^ I saw you, General, 
descend from, your horse, and at the head of your division, ford 



35i THE TOUR or 

ihe Schuylkill, then four feet deep, on two cold nights of A'o- 
vember, in succession. '''' Then turning to the spectators, with 
brimful eyes, he added, ^^ Yes, he never shunned any fatigue 
or danger, and ahvays led the ivay.^^ Those who have seen 
Lafayette when meeting the old soldiers, can only estimate tlie 
impressions of the scene. In one of his movements he was ac- 
companied by between 200 and 300 students of Yale. — 
Among them was Stephanus Gallaty, the Greek youth from 
Scio, aged 14. 

The military parade was brilliant ; — the roar of artillery loud, 
and the acclamations and shouts of the people incessant. More 
than three hundred ladies, with their children, were introduced. 
His pleasure in seeing this array of grace and beauty was visi- 
ble. At the house of the Honourable Mr. Daggett, he was in- 
troduced to the widow of Colonel Barber, slain in the revolu- 
tion ; and to Miss Ogden, grand-daughter of General Wooster, 
killed at Danbury- He then visited the seat of Mr. Deforest, 
and partook of the hospitality of his amiable lady. He then 
was conducted to the University, and appeared struck with the 
immense improvements which every where presented them- 
selves. Here he received the congratulations of the President 
and Faculty of the College, and visited the Library andMine- 
-ralogical Cabinet. He afterwards visited the widow of the late 
Governor Trumbull, who was in tlie family of Washington most 
of the revolutionary war. As he passed the unique burying- 
ground of this city, he was pointed to the grave of Humpreys, 
whom he had long known and respected. He also passed and 
noticed the graves of Whalley, Dixwell, and Goffe, tlie Eng- 
lish Commonwealthmen, who sought and found an asylum in 
America. Returning by the Green, he passed the troops, who 
fired a feu dejoie, and returned to the Hotel. 

About 3 o'clock the General took his departure, on the low- 
er road, by East-Haven, Guilford, Saybrook, and Lyme, to 
New-London, on his way to Boston, escorted by the troops and 
civil authorities as far as East-Haven, there he pointed out the 
residence of the late Reverend Mr. Street, where he had been 
hospitably entertained forty-five years ago, and expressing a 
desire to see his descendants, was received by his children and 
grand-children, and other ladies and gentlemen of the town. 
Here he took leave of the escort from the city, and proceeded 
on his journey, attended by a detachment of cavalry from 
Bran ford. 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 353 

At Branibrd his reception was very gratifying ; two com- 
panies of foot awaited him ; and a vast concourse of people as- 
sembled from all quarters to receive him, joined in acclamations 
at his approach. 

At Old Guilford, a town no less interesting for its primitive 
republican New-England manners, than for the early date of its 
settlement, he was received with a cordial welcome. Three 
companies of militia were paraded on the Green, and saluted 
him with artillery and small arms. Crowds pressed around the 
General ; and there were some of the older ones, who found 
they had not quite forgotten to feel again as they felt in the 
Revolution. In short, " Guilford souls" will not speedily for- 
get the day that brought the companion of Washington among 
them, to offer them his hand, and to remind them of the cause 
in which it once wielded the sword. 

In these towns he stopped but a short time, but long enough 
to receive and return the gratulations of many of the inhabitants. 

At Killingsworth he remained an hour, received similar at- 
tentions from the military and the citizens ; and then passed on 
to Saybrook, where he lodged. 

Here the inhabitants, partaking of the same feeling which 
prevailed throughout this part of the country, had made prepa- 
rations for receiving the General in the handsomest manner ; 
and as he was expected several hours earUer than he arrived, 
the table was spread and decorated, and a feast provided suit- 
able to the occasion. 

In the morning he was waited on by the inhabitants, and 
shown every mark of respect, till half past 6 o'clock, when he 
crossed Connecticut river, and pursued his way towards New- 
London. He travelled with such great expedition, that he 
went from New-Haven to Saybrook in six hours, a distance of 
thirty-six miles, including all his stops upon the road. 

It would have been impossible to have travelled through this 
towns of Connecticut without feeling a part of the enthusiasm 
which pervaded all classes. Even the poor lads who drove 
the carriages entered fully into the common feeling, and seem- 
ed proud of their honours. They wore silk ribands fastened 
to the button holes of their waistcoats, by way of distinction ; 
and while waiting to receive their illustrious passenger, usually 
became persons of no inconsiderable interest and attention with 
(he hundreds who stood around. " Behave pretty now, Char- 
lev," said the driver of Lafayette's coach, to one of his 



u54 TilK TOUK OI' 

horses, " behave pretty, Charley — you are going to carry the 
greatest man m the world." 

On Sunday morning, the General left Saybrook, and pro- 
ceeded on his way to New-London, and being met by the Com- 
mittee and a few citizens, in Waterford, he was escorted to the 
mansion of Judge Perkins, where, with the spontaneous accla- 
mations of a great body of citizens, and with heartfelt gratula- 
tions, he was received under a national salute of 24 guns from 
Fort Trumbull. The General, with great dignity and compo- 
sure, gracefully saluted the citizens ; when he was met and con- 
ducted in a respectful and affectionate manner by his old friend 
and companion in arms. General William North, to the Hall as- 
signed him. He was there introduced to a committee from 
Norwich, and another from Stonington, who had repaired to 
New-London, to solicit him to visit those places on his tour. 

The citizens who wnshed it, were then introduced to the 
General, and from the cordial and polite manner in which they 
were received, were satisfied that the man whom they delighted 
to honour, was richly deserving of the respect shown him. 
Public service having now commenced, out of reverence for 
the day, and the feelings of the people with whom he dwelt, the 
General repaired to the Presbyterian meeting-house, where the 
Reverend Mr. M'Ewen officiated, and thence to St. James' 
Church, where service was performed by the Reverend Mr. 
Judd. Afterwards he called to pay his respects to Madam 
Huntington, the widow of the late General Jedediah Hunting- 
ton, and Madam Perry, the mother of the late Commodore ; 
when he returned to his quarters, and for about an hour devot- 
ed his time to receive the salutations of ladies and gentlemen, 
who called on him. At three, dinner was announced, and he 
was seated in a small circle of friends, among whom were 
General William North, General Ebenezer Huntington, Gene- 
ral Burbeck, and Doctor John R. Watrous, who were his com- 
panions when his noble and generous mind first put forth its 
energies in the cause of our country. After a short sitting, in 
sweet and patriotic sympathy and friendly intercourse, he arose 
and departed with his suite, escorted by the committees of 
New-London and Norwich, for that city. 

On General Lafayette's arrival in the city of Norwich, a re- 
tional salute was fired. On his ahghting at the Hotel, a perti- 
nent address from the Mayor was delivered, to which he na- 
turned an appropriate and feeling reply. 



(jKNERAl. L.VFAVETT£. OOO 

After this ceremony many eagerly pressed forward to be pre- 
sented, congratulating themselves on the pleasure they had in 
seeing their Country's Liberator, in this free and happy nation. 

In the evening, the General and suite, together with the city 
officers, and the Committee of Arrangements, sat down to sup- 
per. D'lring the repast, reiterated cheers were frequently as- 
cending from the people in die street ; to each of these bursts 
of enthusiasm the General arose and presented himself at the 
window, where the admiring multitude as often echoed it. Af- 
ter supper the General and suite left this for Plainfield, accom- 
panied by the Deputation and an escort of citizens. The de- 
putation continued with him to Rhode-Island line, where he 
was met by the Committee from Providence. 

As tlie procession left the city of Norwich, a National Salute 
was fired amid continued peals of the bells. — On his arrival at 
Jewett City the whole village was illuminated, as were all the 
houses between there and Plainfield, and also in the latter vil- 
lage, although they had, like the citizens of Norwich, but a 
short notice of the General's approach. 

A delegadon from the Town Council and those associates of 
the Cincinnati composing the General Committee of the town 
of Providence, was despatched towards Hartford on Friday, 
with a view of meeting the General, and tendering him the 
earnest wishes of the inhabitants, that he would honour them 
with a visit. On Sunday morning, it was feared by the Gene-' 
ral Committee, that from a change in the General's expected 
route, their delegation might not be able to see him until he 
should have arrived in the State, and two gentlemen were des- 
patched on the other two different roads to Connecticut, with 
similar instructions to those of the first Committee, the return 
of which gave information that the General, in company with 
the first Committee, was at Eaton's, in Plainfield, and would 
proceed into town in the course of the forenoon of Monday. 
Early on that morning, the troops and citizens were in readi- 
ness to meet him, and the western road was lined with citizens, 
crowding towards the point where the reception was to take 
place. 

The Town Council and their associates received the General 
about 2 o'clock, at the line of the town, where he alighted. He 
was then received with military honours, and conducted to the 
barouche prepared for his reception, and being seated, was 
greeted with a spontaneous burst of feeling, from the immense 



35b THE TOUR OF 

concourse of spectators. The procession was then put in mo- 
tion, agreeably to the order of arrangements ; and when form- 
ed, extended more than a mile. The General, uncovered, 
rode alone in the barouche, drawn by four white horses, be- 
stowing through the whole march, the most complaisant smiles 
and greetings on all around ; shaking, most cordially, the hands 
of those who crowded around the carriage and took advantage 
of every pause in the procession, to obtain the honour of a 
grasp of the hand of Lafayette — a circumstance which every 
citizen will be proud hereafter to tell his children. As tlie 
General proceeded up the hill leading from Olneysville, he was 
again greeted with the shouts of a large collection of citizens, 
assembled on the high bank directly over the road. 

The Marine Artillery, stationed on the Dexter Training 
Ground, pealed their welcome as he passed, and the General 
soon entered the populous part of the town. In passing through 
High and Westminster-streets, and until he arrived at the court- 
house, he was welcomed by that most expressive token of af- 
fectionate interest, the waving of white handkerchiefs by the 
fair hands of tlie ladies, who crowded every building from 
which they could obtain a view of this distinguished personage. 
Many females, we observed, in the excess of their feelings, 
suspended this token of welcome, to gaze more intently at the 
object whom they appeared alone to see in tlie whole proces- 
sion, and many a fine eye was wet with the gush of a tear, 
which the rush of so many sublime and sympathetic emotions 
sent warm from the heart. 

On arriving in front of the State-House, the General alighted, 
and was received in a peculiarly interesting manner. The 
poplar avenue, leading to the building, was lined on each side 
with nearly two hundred misses, arrayed in white, and holding 
in their hands bunches of flowers, which (as the General pro- 
ceeded up the avenue, supported by the Governor's Aids) they 
strewed in his path, at the same time waving their white hand- 
kerchiefs. The General was afterwards pleased to express 
the peculiar and high satisfaction he took in this simple and 
touching arrangement. 

On reaching the landing of the stairs, the General turned to- 
wards the multitude, and at the same moment, the veteran 
Captain Stephen Olney, who served under the General re- 
peatedly, and was the first to force the enemy's works at York- 
town, in which he was seconded, at another point, almost simul- 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. oOT 

taiaeously, by Lafayette, approached the General, who instant- 
ly recognised his old companion in arms, and embraced him in 
the most earnest and affectionate manner. A thrill went 
through the whole assembly, and scarcely a dry eye was to be 
found among the spectators, while the shouts of the multitude, 
at first suppressed, and then uttered in a manner tempered by 
the scene, evinced the deep feeling and proud associations it 
had excited. 

The General was then conducted to the Senate Chamber, 
where he was appropriately introduced to his Excellency, the 
members of the Committee, Town Council, &ic. 

After this ceremony, he came below, and there, in the most 
familiar manner, shook hands with a number of ladies and gen- 
tlemen. — Among the rest, the venerable William Russell, now 
in his 85th year, was introduced to him. The General shook 
both the veteran's hands in a most affectionate manner, and in 
an annunciation, that slightly marked a foreign accent, said he 
was extremely happy to take his old friend by the hand once 
more, as it recalled to his memory the delightful associations of 
his youth. Mr. Russell appeared at first scarcely to compre- 
hend the scene, but in a moment, as if the whole had rushed 
upon his recollection, he exclaimed in a voice broken by age 
and still more subdued by feeling, ' Oh, my dear Marquis, how 
happy am I to see you once more ! I remember well the time 
I served under you as a volunteer on Rhode-Island !' The 
General was evidently touched, and on this, as on several other 
occasions, the tear started to his eye. 

The Town Council and Committee, with their illustrious 
guest and his suite, his Excellency the Governor of the State 
of Rhode-Island and his suite, the Honourable Jonathan Rus- 
sell, the Committee of Aldermen of the city of New- York, and 
the Committee attending from the city of Boston, and from the 
government of Massachusetts, with a few other guests, repaired 
to the dining-hall, where an elegant entertainment was provided. 

At about half past four, the troops (at the particular request 
of General Lafayette, who expressed his admiration of their 
discipline and fine military appearance,) were drawn up for re- 
view, in a line extending on Benefit-street, tovi^ard Pawtucket. 
The General then proceeded on foot, and was greeted, on en- 
tering the street, with the same joyous acclamations. Support- 
ed by the arm of the Governor, he walked in front of the line 
of troops, stopping to shake hands with all the principal officers. 



oijB THE TOUR oy 

On arriving at the extreme wing he halted, and his carriage was 
drawn up for his reception; which he entered, accompanied 
by his Excellency, Colonel Bowen and Zachariah Allen, Esq. 
and amid the cheers of tlie people, left the town. He was es- 
corted into Massachusetts by the Town Council, Cincinnati, 
he. and a numerous company of citizens on horseback and in 
carriages. 

The General, on being asked if he was not fatigued with his 
exertions, promptly replied, that he experienced too much 
pleasure, to find any time for fatigue. 

At Pawtucket, he was met by the aids of Governor Eustis, 
who had been despatched the day before to receive him at the 
line of the Commonwealth, and to escort him on his way to tlie 
capital. Although it was now evening, at several places on the 
road large bodies of militia were collected to salute him ; and 
assemblies of ladies and gentlemen were occasionally met, who 
offered this illustrious stranger, but respected friend of their 
country, their tribute of applause and affection. He was too 
sensible of the sincerity and warmth of their felicitations, not to 
delay his journey at several villages, and to reciprocate their 
kind and cordial salutations. It was nearly midnight when he 
reached the town of Dedham, about ten miles from Boston. 
Most of the houses in this pleasant village were handsomely il- 
luminated ; and a great number of the inhabitants of botli sexes 
were assembled to greet him. During the short stay he was 
able to make here, he was introduced to many of the principal 
citizens of the town and vicinity, who had been anticipating his 
arrival for some hours. When he passed through Roxbury, at 
1 o'clock, he was accompanied by a large cavalcade of citizens 
of that place and from Boston ; and a salute was fired by the 
Roxbury corps of artillery. His arrival here was also an- 
nounced by the ascent of rockets from an eminence in the cen- 
tre of the town; and the note of preparation was thus given for the 
parade and pleasure of the succeeding day, which had been 
anticipated with uncommon interest and delight. Lafayette 
and suite proceeded to the mansion of his Excellency the Go- 
vernor, to which they had been invited ; and the meeting be- 
tween them was truly affectionate and cordial. 

On Tuesday the 24th, the inhabitants of Boston hailed the 
morning light with peculiar emotions, and were abroad at an 
early hour, preparing for the general testimonies of gratitude 
and respect to be presented to the " nation's guest." Many of 



GENERAL. LAFAYETTE. 359 

the older citizens recollected him inliis youthful days, when he 
visited the iown, forty-six years ago, at the request of Congress 
and Washington, to prevail on the French admiral to co-ope- 
rate with his fleet in a contemplated attack upon the British 
forces at Rhode-Island. They had not forgotten his zeal and 
ardour in the cause of America. They knew his great attach- 
ment to and respect for the immortal chief of the American 
army, and the confidence which Washington cherished for La- 
fayette. Here too were many revolutionary officers and sol- 
diers, who had often witnessed his unwearied activity and per- 
sonal courage in seasons of difficulty and danger. The Socie- 
ty of Cincinnati in this State contained many of his personal 
friends, who shai-ed with him in the toils and honours of the 
war of Independence ; they had assembled, also, to offer the 
hand of friendship and affection to their distinguished brother 
in arms ; and to tell him of the happiness which he had been 
instrumental, with others, in securing to ten millions of freemen. 
The curiosity of the young was awakened to hear of the ge- 
nerous deeds and meritorious services of this celebrated visitor 
from the old world. They were eager to learn his w^orth and 
his virtues. For they knew their grave and sober sires would 
not be so greatly moved by the approach of any ordinary cha- 
racter, whatever might be his title or his fame. The sensibility 
of the female breast was excited to a lively glow, in reflecting 
upon the character of this eminent foreigner, who had not only 
given proofs of great devotion to the cause of America, and to 
the interests of civil liberty, but whose moral and social virtues 
claimed for him the respect and admiration of all those who 
loved innocence or commiserated distress. And all classes, 
without intending to lessen the pre-eminent services and virtues 
of Washington, who under providence, was the great and chief 
agent in achieving our Independence, and in preserving it, after 
it had been once established — or to undervalue the import- 
ant efforts and courage of many otlier revered heroes and pa- 
triots, too numerous to be here named. All, all, were eager 
to join in the spontaneous offering of gratitude and affection, to 
one so justly celebrated and so greatly beloved. 

He entered the city, the capital of the state, about 1 1 o'clock; 
and his reception was a triumph and a jubilee. The day was 
as bright as his laurels, and as mild as his virtues. — The vari- 
ous bodies designated to compose the procession, and perform 
the honours of the day, assembled at an early hour. The ca- 



360 THE TOUR OF 

valcade was formed in Common-street, at 9 o'clock. It was 
very numerous, and consisted of the citizens of Boston, of all 
ranks and classes, on horseback. Proceeding to the extreme 
southern part of the city, near the line of Roxbury, they were 
joined by the Mayor and Aldermen, and members of the Com- 
mon Council, the Society of Cincinnati, a great number of pub- 
lic civil characters, and strangers of distinction, all in carriages ; 
by the General and Field Officers of the first division of militia, 
and officers of the army and navy of the United States. An 
innumerable concourse of people on foot lined the side-walks 
of the spacious street, where the procession was to be formed, 
the entrance to the city from Roxbury, and fortunately named 
Washington-street. The cavalcade then proceeded to tlie 
mansion of Governor Eustis, which is a short distance within 
the town of Roxbury, and escorted General Lafayette and suite 
to the line, where the city authorities and others, who were to 
compose the procession, were in waiting to receive him. Here 
he was greeted by the immense assemblage of citizens, with re- 
peated and enthusiastic acclamations, for several minutes, when 
the Mayor welcomed him with much feeling, in the following 
speech : — 

" Sir — The citizens of Boston welcome you on your return to 
the United States ; mindful of your early zeal in the cause of 
American Independence, grateful for your distinguished share 
in the perils and glories of its achievements. — When urged by 
a generous sympathy, you first landed on these shores, you 
found a people engaged in an arduous and eventful struggle for 
liberty, with apparently inadequate means, and amidst dubious 
omens. After a lapse of nearly half a century, you find the 
same people prosperous beyond all hope and all precedent ; 
their liberty secure ; sitting in its strength ; without fear and 
without reproach. 

" In your youth you joined the standard of three millions of 
people, raised in an unequal and uncertain conflict. In your 
advanced age you return and are met by ten millions of peo- 
ple, their descendants, whose hearts throng hither to greet your 
approach and rejoice in it. 

" This is not the movement of a turbulent populace, excited 
by the fresh laurels of some recent conqueror ; it is a grave, 
moral, intellectual impulse. 

" A whole people in the enjoyment of freedom, as perfect as 
the condition of our nature permits, recur with gratitude, in- 



fiEXERAL LAFAYETTE. oGl 

creasing witli the daily increasing sense of their blessings, to the 
memory of those, who, by their labours and in their blood, laid 
the foundation of our liberties. 

" Your name, Sir, — the name of Lafayette, is associated 
with the most perilous, and most glorious periods of our Re- 
volution ; — with the imperishable names of Washington, and of 
that numerous host of heroes which adorn the proudest archives 
of American history, and are engraven in indelible traces on 
the hearts of the whole American people. 

" Accept then. Sir, in the sincere spirit in which it is offer- 
ed, this simple tribute to your virtues. 

" Again, Sir, the citizens of Boston bid you welcome to the 
cradle of American Independence, and to scenes consecrated 
with the blood, shed by the earliest martyrs in its cause." 

General Lafayette then rose in his carriage, and in a, most 
interesting manner, replied as follows : — 

" The emotions of love and gratitude, which I have been 
accustomed to feel on my entering this city, have ever mingled 
with a sense of religious reverence for the cradle of American, 
and let me hope it will hereafter be said of Universal liberty. 

" What must be. Sir, my feelings, at the blessed moment, 
when, after so long an absence, I find myself again surrounded 
by the good citizens of Boston — where I am so affectionately, 
so honourably welcomed, not only by old friends, but by se- 
veral successive generations; where I can witness the pros- 
perity, the immense improvements, that have been the just re- 
ward of a noble struggle, virtuous morals, and truly republican 
institutions. •-, 

" I beg you, Mr. Mayor, Gentlemen of the City Council, 
and all of you, beloved citizens of Boston, to accept the re- 
spectful and warm thanks of a heart, which has for nearly half 
a century, been particularly devoted to your illustrious city." 

The reply of the General was received with new plaudits of 
the assembled people ; and " welcome, welcome Lafayette ! 
friend of Washington ! friend of America ! friend of Liberty!"^ 
was repeated again and again ; and the heights of Dorchester 
and Roxbury echoed with the joyful acclamation. 

The procession was then formed, and passed through Wash- 
ington, Milk, Broad, State, Court, and Common-streets, to 
Boylston-street, adjoining the south part of the Common, in the 
following order : — " Three marshals, the Boston corps of Light 
Dragoons, a battalion of Light Infantrv, composed of the Fusi- 

46 



^2 THE TOUK OF 

liers, Boston Light Infantry, Winslow Blues, Washington Light 
Infantry, New-England Guards, Rangers, and City Guards ; 
and a full band of music. Then followed the Chief Marshal,' 
attended by aids ; members of the City Council, Committee of 
Arrangements, the President of the Common Council, and 
senior Alderman, all in carriages. Here was placed another 
Marshal, immediately preceding the elegant barouche, drawn 
by four beautiful white horses, in which rode the distinguished 
guest of the city and of the nation, accompanied by the Mayor, 
with Marshals also on either side. The son and Iriend of La- 
fayette, and gentlemen Aldermen from New- York, next follow- 
ed in carriages ; and these were succeeded by the Society of 
the Cincinnati, public characters. Judges and Legislators, and 
distinguished strangers, in carriages also. Immediately after 
two Marshals ; Field and Staff officers of the militia, mounted 
on horseback, and followed also by two Marshals. The ca- 
valcade of citizens, of all ranks and in great numbers, with 
Marshals attending, closed the voluntary but triumphant pro- 
cession. 

The dwelling-houses and stores on the streets through which 
the procession was conducted, were crowded with inhabitants 
in every part. The ladies thus situated, caught the enthusiasm 
of the occasion, waved tlieir white handkerchiefs, and, with 
.smiles and gladness, greeted the veteran hero, who appeared 
affected and delighted by these demonstrations of a joyful 
welcome. 

Excepting the cavalcade, the procession passed through die 
Common from Boylston to Park-street, on iJie eastern margin, 
and between two lines of children, of both sexes, belonging to 
the several schools in the city. Their ages were from about 
eight to twelve, and nearly tliree thousand in number. Their 
dress was neat and uniform ; the misses in white, and the mas- 
ters in white pantaloons and blue spencers. They also wore 
ribands on tlieir breasts, stamped with a miniature likeness of 
Lafayette. As the carriage in which the General rode was 
passing, one of the misses darted from the line where she was 
standing, and requested to speak with him. She was handed 
into the carriage, and by the Mayor presented to Lafayette, who 
pressed an affectionate kiss on her blooming, yet blushing cheek. 
She had confidence, however, to addi'ess him, and place a 
wreath of flowers which she held, on his head. He made her 
a short but affectionate reply, and placed the wreath on the 



GENERAL LAFAYETTK. 363 

seat of the carriage. Attached to the wTeath of flowers was a 
small piece of paper, carefully folded, which contained these 
lines; said to be composed by the mother of the child. 

" An infant hand presents these blushing flowers, 
Glowing and pure as childhood's artless hours, 
Where roses bloom, and buds of promise smile, 
Repaying with their charms the culturer's toil. 

.Oh ! take them father, they were cull'd/or you.' 
(Still bright with warm affection's sacred dew — ) 
O let them live in thy benignant smile, 
And o'er thy brow of glory bloom awhile ! 

'Twined with the laurel Fame on thee bestow'd, 
When thy young heart with patriot ardour glow'd ; 
Self exiled from the charms of wealth and love, 
And home, and friends, thou didst our champion prove, 
And, by the side of Glorious Washington, 
Didst make our grateful coimtry all thine own ! 

Go, fragile offering, speak the ardent joy 

Our bosoms feel, which Time can ne'er destroy !" 

Arches were thrown across several of the principal streets, 
through which Lafayette was conducted, covered with ever- 
greens and flowers, and containing appropriate mottos. There 
were two in Washington-street. — On one of these was very 
iegibly written — "1776 — Washington and Lafayette. Wel- 
come Lafayette — Jl Republic not ungrateful.''^ On the other 

" Welcome Lafavette." 
" The Fathers in glory shall sleep, 
Who gather'd with thee to the fight ; 
But the sons will eternally keep 
The tablet of gratitude bright. 
"' We bow not the neck 

And we bend not the knee, 
But our hearts, Lafayette, 
We surrender to thee." 

When the procession arrived at the steps of the State House, 
near the head of Park-street, salutes were fired by a battalion 
of artillery, on the eminence on the western part of the Com- 
mon, and at the Navy Yard at Charlestown. Salutes were also 
fired by a batallion of artillery, placed on the heights of Dor- 
chester, (now South Boston,) when General Lafayette reached 
the line of the city, at 11 o'clock. 

The Governor and Executive Council of the Commonwealth 
were assembled in the spacious Senate Chamber to receive La- 
fayette in the name of the Representatives of the people, and 
in pursuance of their resolve of June preceding, as well as in 



J64 THE TOUK OF 

accordance with their own personal feelings and wishes. Mis 
Excellency the Governor, here addressed him with great feel- 
ing,* in the following concise and pertinent speech : — 

" Sir, oub friend, — Li the name of the government, and 
in behalf of the citizens of Massachusetts, I have the honour to 
greet you with a cordial, and affectionate welcome. 

" We thank God^ that he has been pleased to preserve you 
through the scenes of peril and of suffering, which have dis- 
tinguished your patriotic and eventful life, and that we are in- 
dulged with this occasion of renewing to you our grateful 
acknowledgments for the important services which you have 
rendered to our common country. 

"In the last surviving Major General of the American revolu- 
tionary army, we recognise a benefactor and friend, from a 
distant and gallant nation ; who, inspired by a love of Hberty, 
subjected himself in his youth to the toils and hazards of a mili- 
tary life, in support of our rights. Under our illustrious Wash- 
ington, you were instrumental in establishing the liberties of our 
country, while your gallantly in the field secured to yourself an 
imperishable renown. 

" With the enjoyment of the blessings of independence, we 
shall never cease to associate the name of Lafayette, and our 
prayer to heaven will be for his health and prosperity." 

To which the General, with much animation, replied : — 

" Sir, — When, in the name of the people and government 
of this State, your Excellency is pleased so kindly to welcome 
an American veteran, I am proud to share the enjoyments of 
such a reception with my revolutionary companions and bro- 
ther soldiers. Sir, I am delighted with what I see, I am op- 
pressed with what I feel ; but I depend upon you, as an old 
friend, to do justice to my sentiments." 

Afterwards, a great number of gentlemen were introduced 
to Lafayette, in the Senate Chamber; of whom were the 
Judges, and other public officers of the United States, of the 
State and of the City ; members of the society of Cincinnati, 
with their venerable and distinguished President, Honourable 
John Brooks, late Governor of the Commonwealth. Lafay- 
ette recognised his old military and personal friend at the first 
aght, and embraced him with great cordiality and affection. 

* Governor Eustis was so affected, that he hiid to call on one of his aids 
to read a greater part of the address, j 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. o65 

Some other veterans of tlie revolutionary army, who were pre- 
sent, he also recollected ; and discovered strong emotions as 
they approached him and took his hand. Indeed, he was so 
eager to meet them, that he very generally first seized them, 
and clung to them with all the affection of a brother. The 
scene was inexpressibly affecting. There was not a heart 
untouched — not a cheek unmoistened by the falling tear. To 
weep then was not weakness ; it was proof of gratitude and of 
a generous feeling, which is an honour to human nature. 

By particular request, and to gratify the wishes of the peo- 
ple collected in front of the State House, General Lafayette 
appeared in the colonade of this superb edifice, where he was 
greeted with loud and continued cheers. He was then con- 
ducted by the committee of arrangements to the residence 
provided for liim at the head of Park-street. A public din- 
ner was given by the city authorities, in honour of their noble 
guest ; and the invitation was extended to Senators and Mem- 
bers of Congress, the Governor and Ex-Governor of the Com- 
monwealth, judicial, and odier public characters. 

A committee of the society of Cincinnati called upon Gene- 
ral Lafayette at the residence of the Governor, in Roxbury, 
and before his entrance into Boston. They were anxious to 
offer him their congratulations at the earliest moment; and 
to bid him welcome to the land they had unitedly struggled to 
defend. And a few days after his arrival, the whole Society 
waited on him, when their President made tlie following 
address : — 

" Sir, — The Society of Cincinnati of the State of Massachu- 
setts seize the earliest moment after your arrival in this city, of 
extending to you the hand of frieadship and affection. We 
offer you our most cordial congratulations on your safe arrival 
again, after the lapse of forty years, on the shores of our fa- 
voured country, once the theatre of our united toils, privations, 
and combats, with a powerful foe, but now the peaceful do- 
main of a great, a fi-ee and independent people. We hail 
you, sir, in unison with the millions of our fellow citizens; 
most respectfully hail you as a Statesman, as a Philanthropist, 
and as the early, inflexible, and devoted friend, not only of 
our beloved country, but of the sacred principles of civil liber- 
ty and human rights. But we greet you under more tender 
and hallowed associations ; in the endearing relation of a bro- 
Jher soldier, who. in the ardour of vouth commenced in the 



3<>6 THE TOUR or 

field with us your career of glory, in the holy cause of Liberty 
and American Independence. 

" But here recollections crowd upon our minds too power* 
ful for utterance. Words would but mock the deep emotions 
of our hearts should we attempt to express them, in contem- 
plating the character, attributes, and services of the paternal 
Chief, under whose auspices we trod together the field of honour. 
To the profound veneration and love for his memory that pe- 
netrates your bosom, we refer you as to a transcript of our own. 
It would be vain to imagine the joy that would swell the great 
mind of Washington, were he still living to recognise with our 
nation, the generous disinterestedness, the glowing ardour, the 
persona] sacrifices, and the gallant achievements of his much 
loved Fayette. But it is equally vain to endeavour, on this 
occasion, to exclude such interesting reflections from the mind, 
or to deny it the melancholy pleasure of hngering on the so.- 
lemn reality, that not a single individual of the General Staff 
of the army of the American Revolution now survives to par- 
ticipate in the joy that your presence in the United States has 
awakened. 

" To us it is peculiarly grateful that you ^re permitted after 
a lapse of so long a period, to witness the consummation of the 
principles of our revolution. You will perceive, sir, that the 
hopes and predictions of the wise and good men who were 
your particular associates in the arduous struggle, have been 
fulfilled and surpassed. You will behold a great people united 
in their principles of jurisprudence, cemented together by the 
strong ties of mutual interests, and happy under the fostering 
influence of a free and energetic government. 

" You will, therefore, allow us to reiterate our felicitations 
on your safe arrival among us, and to welcome you once more 
to the good land which your youthful valour contributed to ele- 
vate and distinguish. 

" May your future life be as tranquil and happy as your 
past has been useful, uniform, and glorious." 

To which the General returned the following answer : — 

" Amidst the inexpressible enjoyments which press upon my 
heart, I could not but feel particularly eager and happy to meet 
my beloved brothers in arms. Many, many, I call in vain ; 
and at the head of them, our matchless paternal Chief, whose 
love to an adopted son, I am proud to say, you have long wit- 
nessed — But while we mourn toa;ether, for those we have lost, 



GENERAL LAFAYETTt. 3G7 

while I find a consolation in the sight of their relations and 
friends, it is to me a delightful gratification to recognise my 
surviving companions of our revolutionary army — that army so 
brave, so virtuous, so united by mutual confidence and affec- 
tion. That we have been the faithful soldiers of independence, 
freedom, and equality, those three essential requisites of na- 
tional and personal dignity and happiness ; that we have lived 
to see those sacred principles secured to this vast Republic, 
and cherished elsewhere by all generous minds, shall be the 
pride of our life, the boast of our children, the comfort of our 
last moments. — Receive, my dear brother soldiers, the grateful 
thanks, and constant love of your old companion and friend." 

On Wednesday was the anniversary of commencement in 
Harvard University, at Cambridge. The corporation had 
requested the president, to send a particular invitation to Ge- 
neral Lafayette, to be present on the occasion. He had ex- 
pressed a wish, soon after his arrival at New- York, to attend 
that literary anniversary. The corporation heard of his inten- 
tion with great satisfaction. They were sensible of his love of 
literature, and of his attachment to this ancient seminary. And 
they remembered, that the governors of the college appreciated 
his merits forty years before, by conferring upon him the high- 
est honours they could bestow. At a meeting of the corpora- 
tion on the 21st of August, it was voted — 

" That the corporation learn with peculiar satisfaction, the 
intention of General Lafayette to visit this part of our country, 
at the period of the approaching commencement, and regard 
the event as auspicious to that joyous and interesting anniver- 
sary, and respectfully request, that he will favour the university 
with his company on that occasion ; and thereby afford to the 
members of the university, and to those who are candidates for 
its honours, the opportunity of seeing and honouring the distin- 
guished patriot and soldier, whose willing sacrifices were de- 
voted to the cause which has secured to tlie successive races 
of American youth, the blessings of education in a land of free- 
dom ; and whose virtuous and glorious career holds forth to 
the rising generation, a bright example of the qualities which 
ought to adorn those, who aspire to aid m the councils, or main- 
tain the rights and interests of a free people." 

General Lafayette was escoited from Boston to Cambridge, 
on Wednesday morning, by a company of cavalry, and accom- 
panied by the Governor and Supreme Executive Council of 



368 THE TOUR OF 

the Commonwealth. In passing through Cambridge Port, iic 
was gratefully cheered by the assembled citizens, and eloquent- 
ly addressed by Judge Fay, in die name of the whole, in the 
following interesting manner : — 

" General Lafayette, — The citizens of Cambridge present 
themselves before you, to greet your arrival in their country 
with an affectionate welcome, and to offer the simple homage 
of grateful hearts to the early and constant friend of American 
liberty — the steady and uniform asserter of the rights of man. 
They desire to make known to you the profound sentiments 
of gratitude and admiration, with which their bosoms are in- 
spired by the recollection of the generous and distinguished ser- 
vices rendered by you to the United States in their struggle for 
national existence. In that struggle, you made a voluntary of- 
fering of your life and fortune on the altar of civil liberty ! In 
so doing, you sought no rewards, but in the conscious magna- 
nimity of the act and in the lasting gratitude of a whole people. 
Those rewards you have, Sir, and long, long may you enjoy 
them. 

" Permit us to remind you. Sir, that on this spot was assem- 
bled the first army of our revolution ; — ^that here Washington 
first assumed the command of that army, and entered upon the 
momentous contest, which terminated in our national independ- 
ence, that independence, which your own disinterested and no- 
ble efforts contributed so essentially to achieve. 

" To you, General, the friend and companion in arms of our 
beloved Washington — the benefactor of our country — the sol- 
dier of liberty — to you the citizens of Cambridge again tender 
their heartfelt welcome, and pray you to accept their fervent 
wishes, that all your future days may be full of happiness and 
honours." 

The reply of Lafayette was characteristic and affectionate. 
He was met by the Corporation and Professors, on his arriving 
within the precincts of the college, and thus addressed by the 
learned President Kirkland : — 

"We bid you welcome. General Lafayette, to the most an- 
cient of the seminaries of our land. The Overseers and Fel- 
lows of the University, the Professors and other officers, the 
candidates for the academic honours of this day, and the stu- 
dents, tender you their respectful, their affectionate salutations. 
We greet you with peculiar pleasure, at this literary festival, 
gratified that you regard the occasion with interest, and ^s- 



GENEllAL LAFAYETTE. 



369 



pouse the attachment, which us members of a republic, we 
cannot fail to cherish to the cause of learning and education. 

" As a man, sustaining his part through various scenes, pros*- 
perous and adverse, of an eventful life, your character and 
course, marked by moral dignity, have challenged particular 
respect and sympathy. As the patron, the champion, and 
benefactor of America, you have a relation to us, by which we 
call you our own, and join gratitude and affection to exalted 
esteem. The early and costly pledges you gave of devotion 
to the principles and spirit of our institutions, your adoption of 
our perilous and uncertain contest for national existence, your 
friendship in the hour of our greatest need, have associated 
your name in the minds and hearts of Americans, with the 
dearest and most affecting recollections. The fathers teach 
their children, and the instructers their pupils, to hold you in love 
and honour ; and the history of these States takes charge of 
your claims to the grateful remembrance of all future generations. 

"It is a pleasing reflection attending the progress of these 
communities, that it justifies our friends and supporters ; and 
that the predilections and hopes in our favour, which you in- 
dulged in the ardour of youth, have been followed by good 
auspices till your advanced age. We are, indeed, happy in 
presenting you the fruit of your toils and dangers, in the kindly 
operation of the causes, which you did so much to call into 
action, and we rejoice in every demonstration we are able to 
give, tliat your care for us has not been vain. Knowing how 
you feel yourself to have a property in our welfare, and sensi- 
ble of the enjoyment accruing to your generous spirit from our 
prosperity, we find in these considerations, new motives to 
maintain liberty with ardour ; and in the exercise of our func- 
tions, feel bound to endeavour to send out from our care, en- 
lightened and virtuous men, employing their influence to secure 
to their country the advantages, and prevent and remedy the 
evils attending the wide diffusion among a people of political 
power. 

" Accept our wishes and prayers for your health and happi- 
ness. May the Invisible Hand which has been your safe- 
guard thus far, continue its protecting care. May the Supreme 
Disposer, the Witness and Judge of character and conduct, 
having appointed you a long and tranquil evening of days, re- 
ceive you to the final and glorious reward of the faithful in a 
perfect state." 

17 



370 THK TOUR OF 

The following is the substance of the General's reply: — 

" It is with real pleasure, Sir, that I find myself again at this 
University, which I visited for the first time, more than forty 
years ago. The great improvements which have been made 
here during the interval, are striking evidences of the tendency 
of liberal political institutions, to promote the progress of civili- 
zation and learning. I beg you to accept my warmest thanks for 
your kind expressions of personal civility to myself, and my 
best wishes for the continued prosperity of the valuable esta- 
blishments over which you preside." 

When he entered the place provided for the celebration of 
commencement, where a numerous company of ladies and 
gentlemen had assembled to attend the ceremonies and literary 
performances of the day, there was an instantaneous and uni- 
versal acclamation ; not stunning and boisterous ; but the de- 
corous and chastened greeting of an intelligent audience. 
When he reached the stage, he bowed repeatedly to the assem- 
bly, with great apparent sensibility. Several of the young 
gentlemen, alluded to him in their orations ; and some dwelt 
particularly on his early devotion to the cause of America, in 
the struggle for independence, with great effect. These notices, 
though short and indirect, were calculated to excite the grateful 
recollections of the audience ; who responded to the sentiments 
with enthusiastic acclamations. 

On Thursday, by particular request of the literary society of 
♦* Phi Beta Kappa," so called, in the university. General La- 
fayette attended the celebration of then- anniversary at Cam- 
bridge. It was never known before, that any one, however 
distinguished, either for literature or virtue, was invited to dine 
with the society, unless a member of some other branch of the 
association. The departure in this case, from the invariable 
usages and rules of the society, is proof of the very high esti- 
mation in which Lafayette is held, and of the disposition, in all 
classes of citizens, to manifest their respect for his character. 
He proceeded to the university, about 1 o'clock, when he was 
again greeted with the hearty cheers of the citizens, as he pass- 
ed the high-way, and when he arrived. The public per- 
formances on this occasion, were an oration and a poem. The 
latter was prepared at very short notice, and had particular re- 
ference to the visit of the illustrious hero and philanthropist. It 
purported to be the vision of the Genius of Liberty. It was a 
felicitous effort of the poetic muse. The gradual but certain 



GENERAL LAI AYETTE. 371 

dissolution of ancient despotic systems was predicted, as by the 
spirit of inspiration ; and the blessings and joys of well-regulat- 
ed freedom were described with a masterly pencil, as extend- 
ing and spreading in all parts of the civilized world. It was the 
electrifying voice of genius, speaking to hearts full of grati- 
tude and swelling with joyous emotions. 

The orator was not less happy in his subject, nor less ingeni- 
ous and eloquent in its illustration. Lafayette was very sensibly 
affected by this unexpected expression of gratitude for his early 
services, and by the strong emotions manifested by the assem- 
bly, at the name of Washington. The hours passed in the din- 
ing hall were consecrated to reminiscences of the interesting 
events which occurred in the revolutionary contest, to grateful 
recollections of the statesmen and heroes, who advocated and 
defended the cause of freedom, and thus led the way in the 
glorious march of human improvement and happiness, which 
the present generation is so rapidly pursuing. Here were as- 
sembled the judges of the land, the ministers of religion, the 
legislators of the state and nation, several of the heroes of the 
revolution, and numerous eminent literary characters from va- 
rious parts of the United States, to unite with the younger sons 
of Harvard, in offerings of affectionate gratitude to a man, who 
had no gifts of power or titles of honour to bestow ; but whose 
useful services and uniform course of honourable and benevo- 
lent purpose, in their estimation, claimed a higher tribute than 
was due to sceptered princes, or the most renowned conquerors 
of ancient or modern times. 

Thursday and Saturday mornings, for several hours, he re- 
ceived the personal compliments and congratulations of a great 
number of the inhabitants of Boston and its vicinity, of both 
sexes. They were presented to him, on the spacious area 
of the ground floor of the State House. The house provided 
for his residence while in the city, though unusually large, was 
not well adapted for such crowds of visitors as pressed to be- 
hold him. Many aged people were presented, who had served 
with him in the revolutionary war, or recollected events of 
that period, which they were desirous to relate. Some were on 
crutches, and others bared .their arms to show the honourable 
scars occasioned by the bayonet or ball of the enemy, in the 
" glorious fight" for freedom. Some could boast of having 
fought under his command, or by his side, at Brandywine and 
Monmouth ; and others, that followed in his path of peril and 



372 THE TOLK or 

glory in Virginia, in 1781, and assisted in successfully storui-r 
ing the redoubt at Yorktown, on the memorable evening of the 
1 5th of October, which decided the fate of Cornwallis. 

He seized the hands of these his old companions in arms, with 
great eagerness and emotion ; and while they, in the honest 
pride of their souls related their " hair-breadth escapes," which 
led the spectators almost to envy their claims to such honoura- 
ble boasting, the veteran hero exclaimed, " O my brave Light 
Infantry ! My gallant troops !" Several aged citizens who 
were personally engaged in opposing the British forces, who 
marched to Lexington and Concord, for the purpose of de- 
stroying the Provincial stores collected at the latter place, were 
present at this interview. A gun was also showii to Greneral 
Lafayette, from which was fired the ball, which killed the first 
of the regular troops slain on that memorable occasion. These 
meetings revived recollections important to be preserved, and 
served to remind the rising generations of the principles and 
deeds of their fathers. We trust they did not awaken any angry 
or hostile feeling towards an ancient enemy ; but served only 
to kindle our gratitude to Almighty God, for his gracious in- 
terpositions in our behalf, and to perpetuate our respect for the 
remains of those who pfFered up their lives for our freedom and 
welfare. 

On Friday morning, committees from Portsmouth, Newport, 
Haverhill, Newburyport, and from Bowdoin College, waited 
on General Lafayette inviting him to visit those respective 
places ; where the people were desirous to see him, and to 
offer personally their welcome salutations. 

To a kind and affectionate invitation of the citizens of Port- 
land to Lafayette to visit Maine, the General returned the 
following respectful answer : — 

" Sir — When I had the heartfelt gratification to embark on 
this happy visit to the United States, I anticipated the pleasure 
to pay my respects to the citizens of the State of Maine, and 
the town of Portland. That intention could not but be con- 
firmed by the flattering invitation you have been pleased to 
transmit. I much regret that previous engagements, and the 
propriety not to defer for a long time my journey towards the 
seat of government at Washington City, make it impossible for 
me, at this moment, to indulge my eager desire to visit the town 
of Portland. But on my return to this part of the Union, and 
most rertainlv before I leave the American shore, I shall have 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 373 

ihe honour, personally to offer to the citizens of Portland, the 
tribute of my respect and gratitude. 

Be pleased, Sir, to accept my respectful acknowledgments 
and regard. LAFAYETTE." 

The Selectmen of the ancient town of Plymouth were prompt 
in offering an invitation to General Lafayette to visit that place 
before leaving the United States. A letter from the Chairman, 
in behalf of that body and their fellow citizens, was delivered 
to him on the morning after his arrival in Boston, by the vene- 
rable Dr. Thacher ; to which he gave the following reply : — 

" Sir — Nothing could afford me a greater satisfaction than 
to have the honour to pay my respects to the citizens of Ply- 
mouth ; nor will I leave the shores of America before I have 
enjoyed this heartfelt gratification. But my present, first visit 
to this part of the Union, is shortened by previous engagements, 
and the obligation to go towards the seat of government at 
Washington City. I anticipate the time when it will be in my 
power personally to present the citizens of Plymouth with my 
grateful and affectionate acknowledgments for tlieir kindness 
to me. Be pleased to accept the tribute of these sentiments, 
and to believe me with much personal regard. Yours, &;c. 

LAFAYETTE." 

The Marquis Lafayette left his place of residence in Boston 
at 10 o'clock, accompanied by Governor Eustis and suite, 
Governor Brooks, the deputation from New- York, the Mayor 
and committee of arrangements of Boston, and proceeded to 
Charlestown, which he previously engaged to visit, at this time. 
As he passed through the streets in the north part of the city, 
the people pressed around him, testifying their regard, and 
cheering him on his way with repeated acclamations. Raised 
arches, wreaths of ever-green, and variegated colours, added to 
the brilliancy of the scene. He was met at the centre of the 
bridge, which is the dividing line between Boston and Charles- 
town, by the Chief Marshal and his aids, and conducted to the 
square, where a committee of the citizens of that town was in 
waiting to receive him. A procession was then formed, head- 
ed by two Marshals, and escorted by a regiment of Light In- 
fantry, and a battalion of artillery, with martial music, consist- 
ing of the committee of arrangements. General Lafayette, his 
son, and friend, who accompanied him from France ; the 
Governor and suite, Governor Brooks, and General Dearborn, 
fudges of the Courts, and members of the Supreme Executive 



.374 THE TOUK OF 

Council of the State ; deputation from New- York, Mayor and 
committee of Boston, officers of the army and navy of the 
United States, and of the militia of the State ; strangers of 
distinction, and civil officers of the town of Charlestown. It 
proceeded to Bunker Hill, where the chairman of the commit- 
tee of the town, addressed Lafayette as follows : — 

" Sir — In behalf of the inhabitants of Charlestown, the com- 
mittee of arrangements present their respectful salutations to 
General Lafayette, and bid him a cordial welcome to this town. 
This joyful occasion revives high national feelings and recol- 
lections, and touches the springs of gratitude, by reminding us 
of that interesting period of our history, which gave to our 
country a gallant hero, and to the rights of mankind a steadfast 
champion. While we participate in the thrill of delight which 
every where hails the visit of our illustrious friend, we catmot 
suppress the peculiar emotion of our hearts on receiving you, 
Sir, on the memorable heights of Bunker. On this holy 
ground, immortalized by the dead, and sacred to the names of 
revolutionary heroes. Over these heights, liberty once moved 
in blood and tears ; — her chariot on wheels of fire. Now she 
comes in her car of peace and glory ; drawn by the affections 
of a happy people, to crown on these same heights, with civic 
honours, a favourite son, whose early strength was given to her 
sacred struggles, and whose riper years are now permitted to 
behold the splendour of her triumphs. In the fubess of our 
hearts we give thanks to Almighty God, who has guided and 
guarded your high career of peril and renown. 

" Permit us, beloved General, again to welcome you to our 
borders ; — to express our ardent hopes, that your valuable life 
may be prolonged to the utmost limits of earthly happiness ; — 
that the land which has been enriched with the dew of your 
youth, may be honoured as the asylum of your old age ; — tJiat 
the country which now blends your fame with the mild lustre 
of Washington, may henceforth hail you as a citizen of Wash- 
ington's country ; — and that, during the residue of your years, 
you may live amidst the attentions, as you will for ever live in 
the hearts of a grateful and admiring people." 

To this address the General replied : — 

" With profound reverence. Sir, I tread tliis holy ground, 
where the blood of American patriots — the blood of Warren 
and his companions, early and gloriously spilled, aroused the 
energy of three millions, and secured the happiness of ten 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 61 J 

millions, and of many other millions of men in times to come. 
That blood has called both American continents to republican 
independence, and has awakened the nations of Europe to a 
sense, and in future, I hope, to the practice of their rights. 
Such have been the effects of a resistance to oppression, which 
was, by many pretended wise men of tlie times, called rasliness ; 
while it was duty, virtue ; — and has been a signal for the 
emancipation of mankind. 

" I beg you, sir, and the magistrates, and the citizens of 
Charlestown, to accept the homage of my gratitude for your 
kind welcome, and of those sentiments of affection and respect, 
which, for so many years, I have cherished towards their town." 

While on this memorable eminence, he was informed by 
Governor Brooks, of the recent association for erecting a monu- 
mental pillar on that hallowed spot, to perpetuate the remem- 
brance of the justly celebrated battle of the 17th of June, 1775 ; 
when a few regiments of undisciplined militia, made a brave 
stand against a large regular British force, commanded by 
Generals of great experience and courage. This great event, 
so important in the annals of our country, as it convinced the 
English government of the resolution of the colonies to main- 
tain the liberty which they claimed, and of th^ daring courage 
of the American people. This event is to be commemorated in 
June, 1825, when fifty years will be completed, by an oration, 
and other public appropriate services and ceremonies. Gene- 
ral Lafayette expressed great satisfaction at the proposal. He 
requested that he might be considered a subscriber for the 
monument ; and assured the gentlemen present, that it would 
be his wish and endeavour to attend the celebration. 

On his visit to the encampment of the JVew-England Guards, 
the General tried his skill in gunnery, and directed one of the 
field pieces with such good aim, as to pierce the target. A 
large assemblage of the visitors of the encampment announced 
his success with reiterated cheerings. 

He then dined with Governor Eustis, in Roxbury, in com- 
pany with nearly two hundred of the most distinguished stran- 
gers now on visits here and citizens — of whom were many of 
the surviving worthies of the Revolution. — The front of liis 
Excellency's seat was beautifully decorated, and fire-works 
were exhibited on the lawn. He returned to town at 8 o'clock, 
and in the evening attended a ball given by Mrs. Sears, in 
Bacon-street. 



376 THE TOUR OF 

On Saturday August 28th, numerous deputations, and re- 
volutionary characters, called on the General at his quarters. 
One of the latter exhibited the Fireai-m, by a discharge of which 
the first British regular killed in the war of the revolution was 
shot at Concord bridge, on the memorable 19th April, 1775. 
The event is recorded in the annals of that day. Satisfactory 
evidence was given, that the ball which did the first execution 
on the British advanced guard, was fired from this gun. The 
General appeared much pleased at seeing this relic, and sug- 
gested the expediency of perpetuating its identity, by inserting 
a plate on the stock, with an inscription, containing the parti- 
culars of the event. It belonged to Capt. Buttrick, and was 
presented, it is understood, by one of his descendants, who 
promised to execute the suggestion of the General, and re- 
marked, that the gun should be transmitted to the latest poste- 
rity of the original owner. A number of revolutionary reminis- 
cences occurred in this interview, which we have not room to 
particularize. 

The General then repaired to the State-house, and received 
the congratulations of the citizens of both sexes, who, during 
two hours, presented themselves in continued succession. One 
of the revohitionary worthies, (Jonathan Leonard of Canton, in 
Norfolk,) holding in his hand a number of old Continental 
bills, thus addressed the Guest : — " Here, General, are some 
of our Old Friends, who helped us to carry on the war.''' 
Among the presentations was an interesting Greek youth from 
Scio, named Pandies Ralli, whose father was one of the first 
martyrs in the present eventful struggle of the Greek Patriots, 
being one of the hostages executed at Constantinople. This 
lad, we are informed, with his mother, and family, fled from the 
sack of Scio, and is now receiving an education, under the care 
of our Foreign Missionary Society. He was noticed with 
much affection by the General. In the afternoon he proceed- 
ed to Medford, to dine with Governor Brooks, accompanied 
by the Mayor. 

On his way to Medford he passed through Chai'lestown and 
West Cambridge, and arrived at Medford about 3 o'clock. It 
was at a very late hour that the citizens of Medford ascertained 
that the town would be honoured with his presence ; but their 
preparations to welcome him were appropriate and elegant. 

Under an arch the Selectmen of the town were assembled ; 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 



377 



and Turell Tufts, Esq. their Chairman, delivered to him tire 
following address : — 

" General Lafayette — The Selectmen of Medford, as the 
Representatives of the town, deem it a grateful and honoura- 
ble part of their duty to bid you welcome. 

" They are proud, Sir, that Medford is the birth-place of one 
of your companions in arms — A man, who, by his bravery in 
the field, his patriotism and civic virtues, contributed to acquire 
as much glory to our country, as honour to himself. 

" We rejoice. Sir, that you both live to meet again, and to 
enjoy together the consolations fairly derived from your virtuous 
and heroic deeds. 

" The minds of our countrymen traced your course with 
anxious solicitude, through the French Revolution, from your 
first success in the cause of Liberty, until the spirit of oppres- 
sion confined you to a dungeon ; and their hearts were glad- 
dened, when, by the influence of our Great and Good Wash- 
ington, their Friend was at last set free. — Tn the rich harvest 
you are now gathering of the expressions of esteem and gi-atitude 
of this numerous people, whose freedom and happiness your 
exertions so essentially contributed to establish, we hope you 
will find some compensation for all your trials, sacrifices, and 
sufferings — and we feel much complacency that, in this respect 
you have gained so complete a triumph over the Monarchs of 
the world. 

"Again, Sir, we bid you a cordial welcome ! and hope the 
testimonials of approbation you are receiving from every heart 
and every tongue, will for ever remain an instructive lesson to 
mankind, that Patriots who endure faithfully to the end, shall 
not lose their reward." 

The following is the substance of the General's reply : — 

" Sir — I am most happy, in visiting the town of my old 
brother Soldier and Friend, General Brooks, to be received 
with so kind a welcome. You speak of some compensatiorr I 
Compensation, Sir, — the smallest part of the delight which I 
have experienced, would more than repay me for all sufferings, 
past, or to come. 

" I beg you, to accept my grateful acknowledgments for this 
cheering welcome." 

This welcome was repeated by the acclamations of the as- 
sembled citizens, which were renewed oh his arriving at the 
Governor's residence. The civic arches and decorations were 

48 



o <8 THE roUR OF 

honourable to the zeal and good feelings of the citizens, and to- 
the taste of the ladies of Medford, who took a lively interest in 
this spontaneous tribute of gratitude. 

The General, in proceeding to Medford, passed through 
Salem-street, and the taste and patriotism of the citizens of the 
northern section, were displayed in numerous and elegant de- 
corations of the street, incessant cheers, and waving of hand- 
kerchiefs. His carriage proceeded slowly, and he appeared to 
notice all the arches (fifteen in number) under which he passed, 
and particularly one, (the production of the daughter of a 
Member of the City Government) which bore an inscription, 
formed on a white ground, with green buds, ^^ Fayette — We 
tvill never forget thee" 

On Monday the orders of the Commander-in-Chief, for a 
review of a portion of the militia, in honour of the visit of the 
surviving Major-General of the revolutionary army, our distin- 
guished Guest, were executed with promptness and uncommon 
effect. The day was fine. At an early hour, a superb Brigade, 
(composed of five full regiments of infantry, a regiment of 
artillery, and the Salem Independent Cadets) commanded by 
Brigadier-General James Appleton, paraded on the Common, 
on which tents and marquees had been pitched for their ac- 
commodation, and which with the commissary's tent, and the 
tents of the Suffolk Brigade, and the marquees attached to the 
Head-Quarters (where the Independent Cadets, commanded 
by Lieut. Colonel Amory, did guard duty) exhibited an ex- 
tensive encampment. At the same time the Boston Brigade, 
commanded by Brigadier-General Lyman, and composed of 
three full regiments of infantry, four companies of artillery, and 
a troop of dragoons, also paraded and formed the order of bat- 
tle at 8 o'clock. The whole field was commanded by Major- 
General Crane, of the first division 

The line nearly filled up the borders of the spacious training- 
field, and exhibited a martial spectacle unequalled in extent, 
brilliancy, and efficiency by any former military review. The 
corps of cavalry, artillery, and flank companies, were in com- 
plete and superb uniforms ; and in the whole line of infantry, 
the troops, with scarcely an exception, were in blue coats and 
white "qpHetr clothes, with knapsacks, &ic. complete. It was 
estimated tliat the number on the field exceeded 6500. 

General Lafayette, on foot, was escorted by the Cadets 
from his residence to the State-house, where he was received 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 379 

by his excellency the Commander-in-chief, and M«ite. They 
were then escorted to the Common. He was revcived by loud 
shouts from the troops along the whole line. Tlie General was 
then saluted by the Brigades, under Generals Appleton and 
Lyman, in succession. He then took a position in front of 
Head-Quarters, and received the marching salute of the whole 
division. Experienced judges, foreign and native, did justice 
to the discipline and steadiness of the movements. 

A spacious and well ornamented marquee had been erected 
by order of the Governor on the rising ground of the Corhmon, 
for a collation for the Officers and invited Guests. It much 
exceeded any other arrangement of the kind ever seen here. 
In this edifice,* His Excellency, and the distinguished Guest, 
the Officers of the Field, the Executive Council, Cincinnati, 
Civil and Judicial Officers, Foreign Consuls, Officers of the 
Army and Nav)% Governor Miller, the Clergy, the City autho- 
rities. Strangers of distinction, and General and Field Officers 
of the Militia not on duty, partook of a sumptuous and well- 
attended entertainment. A few toasts were given, which were 
received with acclamations, particularly that of the Command- 
er-in-chief, complimentary of the Guest ; that of General La- 
fayette in praise of the fine appearance and excellent conduct 
of the troops, and that of General Brooks, who gave " The 
Commander-in-chief of these troops.'''' 

The order of battle having been re-formed, the Brigade 
under General Appleton performed numerous evolutions, with 
the utmost precision and fine effect. 

The Boston Brigade, under General Lyman, then occupied 
an hour in similar evolutions, — particularly those against caval- 
ry, by the formation of squares of regiments, and by the retreat 
within them, when hard pressed, of the skirmishers and artille- 
rymen, each retiring with their colours and an allotted portable 
article essential to their utility ; then rushing out, remounting 
and firing their deserted guns, after the assailing cavalry is re- 
pulsed. This mode of defence was practised with effect by 
the British army at Waterloo. 

The exercises being completed, and the usual ceremonies 
of the field performed, the troops were dismissed. The Ge- 



* The marquee was 176 feet by 60 ; containing six tables 170 feet long, 
on which there were 1300 plates set, — which were afterwards increased to 
1600 The collation was prepared by Mr. Dudley Bradstreet. 



■»*^; 



3S0 THE TOUR OF 

licral was then re-escorted to his quarters, amidst continued 
cheers. 

In the evening the General held a levee, at which many 
hundred ladies were introduced to him. He then attended a 
ball given by Mrs. Elliot, in Bacon-street. 

" Should it be supposed by the sober citizens of other counr 
tries, or by those in our own, who did not join in these offer-? 
ings of grateful admiration to Lafayette, and who therefore 
could have felt nothing of the enthusiasm which such scenes 
are calculated to produce ; that there was too much parade, or 
an undue measure of sensibility manifested on this occasion ; 
it may be proper to observe, that no conclusion is to be drawn 
from this great rejoicing, that the people of Boston, or in fact 
of die United States, are disposed to pay higher regard to emi- 
nent men of the military, than in the civil department ; or that 
they have so little discrimination, as to bestow applause upon 
merely splendid achievements. It is believed to be a fact, that 
the most intelligent and sober part of the community were as 
ready to engage in these processions and ceremonies, as those 
of the more common and uninformed class of citizens. How 
could it be otherwise ? These are convincing proofs of the 
zeal, disinterestedness, and devotion of General Lafayette to 
the cause of American liberty and independence — of his bra- 
very, activity, judgment, constancy, and fidelity — of his attach- 
ment to Washington and other patriots, and of their regard for 
him ; and of his uniform support of regulated liberty in his own 
country. In his early days he had risked every thing, and had 
done every thing which an individual could possibly endure or 
attempt, in our behalf. He had noiv, in advanced life, left his 
own beloved retirement in a distant hemisphere, to visit this 
land of liberty, and of his aiFections, to behold the prosperity, 
order, enjoyment, and felicity of a great people. His charac- 
ter too, is unstained by bloodshed and crime ; it is consecrated, 
on the contrary, by the prayers, and tears, and benedictions, 
of all good men in America and Europe. Who wiU then cen- 
sure or wonder, that he should be received by the moral and 
sober people of America, with all that cordiality and enthusi- 
asm, which were discovered on his arrival amongst us ? We 
do not forget Washington ; our beloved and almost adored 
Washington — nor are we insensible to the merits and virtues 
of other statesmen and heroes of our own country. But, sure- 
ly we may be albwed to greet this old distinguished henefac- 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. S8i 

lor with a cordial welcome, without subjecting ourselves to the 
charge of extravagance, or caprice. 

"The character of the militia in Boston, and generally 
through the state, has been much improved within the last 
jSfteen years. They have recently adopted a cheap uniform ; 
and great improvements have been made in adopting the mo- 
dern system of tactics. The independent companies need not 
decline a comparison with regular troops ; and, what is very 
important to the respectability of the militia, their officers are 
intelligent and ambitious, and actuated by a patriotic spirit, 
which is a pledge of fidelity, and a stimulus to honourable ex- 
ertion. The high praise bestowed upon the militia at this 
review, was justly merited." 

General Lafayette left Boston on Tuesday morning for 
Portsmouth, in the state of New-Hampshire, intending to pass 
through Marblehead, Salem, and Newburyport, on his way to 
the former place. A number of distinguished citizens, and a 
Committee of the City Council accompanied him to the north- 
ern line of the city ; and the Governor's aids attended him to 
the extreme part of the state, adjoining New-Hampshire. On 
his route he was greeted by the inhabitants of Chelsea, Lynn, 
and Marblehead, with great feeling and respect, alike honoura- 
ble to themselves, and gratifying to the friend and guest of the 
nation. Addresses were also made to him, in these several 
towns, expressive of their gratitude for his services, and of the 
lively sense they had of his present visit to the country. 

In passing through Lynn, General Lafayette was received 
by the citizens with distinguished marks of respect. 

At about half past 8 o'clock, he arrived at the bridge, (over 
the draw of which was thrown a handsome arch,) under the 
escort of the Boston company of cavalry, which immediately 
joined the other battalion ; when the whole moved towards the 
Hotel. 

On the arrival of the procession at the Hotel, which was 
very handsomely decorated with flags and ever-greens, the 
following address was delivered to the General by John White, 
Esq. the Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements : — 

" General — The inhabitants of this town have chosen me 
their organ, to greet you with a sincere and hearty welcome, 
on this joyful occasion. A duty on which I enter with mingled 
emotions of profound veneration, gratitude, and affection, to- 



382 THE TOUR OF 

wards you, Sir, our nation's early, disinterested, and unvarying 
friend and benefactor. 

" The deep, intense, and indelible feelings of this free and 
happy republic towards you, General, who so eminently and 
successfully contributed to raise her to her present proud and 
powerful attitude among the nations of the earth, can be no 
more forcibly illustrated, than in that spontaneous homage of 
the heart, which you see displayed around you, on your arrival 
upon our favoured shores ; and which, hke a halo of glory, 
encircles you in your progress through our country. This, 
General, is a language not to be misunderstood, compared with 
which the most laboured declamation must be faint and pow- 
erless. 

" Although your present appearance among us, like the tran- 
sit of a brilliant and beneficent planet, commissioned to pro- 
claim good will to man, in its rapid career among innumerable 
worlds, is short and fleeting, the emanations of the bright and 
joyous light which it sheds around you, will continue with us 
to guide our steps, and cheer our hearts to the latest moment 
of our existence. 

" Permit me now. General, to express my individual joy at 
the happy consummation of those ardent wishes, which I had 
the honour to express to you twelve years since, in your native 
country — for you have re-visited us, and you see that " all 
hearts and arms are open to receive you." 

To this the General made a very affectionate reply. 

The General was then conducted to the Hall, where he was 
introduced by the chairman to the ladies, committee of arrange- 
ments, municipal officers, revolutionary soldiers, clergy, and 
many citizens, but being engaged to breakfast at Marblehead, 
his stay was restricted to thirty minutes. On leaving the Hotel, 
the General ascended the barouche, with the chairman of the 
committee, and the procession proceeded through the town. 
At the western end of the common was erected a beautiful 
civic arch, most elegantly decorated with ever-greens, sur- 
mounted by a wreath enclosing the following inscription : — 

" Welcome Lafayette ! Conqueror of hearts." 
On the top of which was perched a beautiful gilt Eagle. Sus- 
pended under the arch by festoons of ever-greens was a wreath, 
surrounding this inscription : — 

" Washington and Lafayette." 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. oSii 

After passing this arch, the procession entered between two 
lines of children of the town, neatly and prettily dressed, who 
threw boquets of flowers before the General, and into his car- 
riage. Next in order were two long lines of the citizens, 
reaching to another very handsome arch of ever-green, under 
which was suspended a wreath surrounding these words : — 
"October 19th, 1781." The procession continued over the 
common towards Market-street, through which he passed, and 
at its entrance passed under a beautiful canopy, formed on one 
side by a majestic elm, and on the other by large trees planted 
for the occasion, united at the top, and tastefully hung with 
wreaths and garlands of flowers. At this place was the fol- 
lowing inscription : — 

" Welcome Lafayette, to thee we owe the sweets of 
Liberty." 

On the entrance of the procession to Front-street, another 
beautiful arch was presented, to which was suspended, under 
thirteen sun flowers, representing stars, this inscription : — 
" Thou gavest to us thirteen talents. Lo ! we have gained 

eleven more. — Receive our gratitude." 
Under this inscription were eleven other sun flowers. In 
Broad-street was another handsome arch, made entirely of 
trees, wreaths, and garlands, on which was the following in- 
scription : — 

" The voice of ten millions welcome." 

The procession then passed into Chesnut-street, and througli 
part of Fayette-street, into Essex-street, where another magni- 
ficent arch was erected, most beautifully decorated, on the 
centre of which was inscribed " 1776," and below this, was 
inscribed these words : — 
" The man whom the people delight to honour. — Welcome 
Lafayette. — ^Yorktown. — Monmouth." 
On the reverse, being the last arch, was this inscription : — 
" Tho' lost to sight, to memory dear." 

The procession moved in fine style tlirough this arch, and 
proceeded to the eastern boundary line of the town, where the 
Lynn escort delivered their illustrious guest to the authorities 
of Marblehead. A salute of 13 guns was fired by the Lynn 
and Danvers Artillery, on the entrance of the General upon 
the lines of the town, and another of 24 guns when he passed 
over the Common. 

On his entrance into Marblehead, he was saluted bv 13 



384 THE TOUR OF 

guns from a battery erected on the heights at the entrance ol 
the town, and greeted by shouts of applause and welcome from 
the whole population, who, with the troops of the town were 
assembled for his reception ; and was conducted to the house 
provided to receive him under a national salute of 24 guns 
from Major Greene's battalion of Artillery. Here he was in- 
troduced to the Authorities of the town, and was addressed in 
behalf of the town by the Hon. John Prince, chairman of the 
committee ; after which, our illustrious guest with his suite, and 
several strangers of distinction, partook of a breakfast in the pub- 
lic hall, arranged in a style of superior elegance. 

After breakfast the General was conducted to another apart- 
ment, where all the citizens, the officers of the brigade, and 
many strangers were most cordially received by him ; among 
whom were several revolutionary soldiers, and the Pilot who 
landed him in Marblehead on his second arrival in this country, 
whom he recognised, and saluted with marks of the highest 
satisfaction. 

He also expressed a wish to have a particular interview with 
some of the descendants of the late General Glover, with whom 
he was formerly in habits of intimacy ; and was accordinglj^, 
with his suite, conducted to the house of Robert Hooper, Esq. 
On being introduced to Mrs. Hooper, daughter of the late 
General, he was much affected, and expressed the highest 
interest at meeting a child of his old and particular friend. 

Aft6r being escorted through the principal streets of the 
town, he was accompanied by the Committee of Arrange- 
ments to the Salem line, under another salute of 24 guns, 
and the loud and gratulatory shouts of the warm-hearted in- 
habitants. 

His reception at Salem was very distinguished and splendid. 
At the entrance of the town, he was met by the Selectmen 
and committee, a numerous cavalcade, and a large body of 
citizens in carriages, and received a salute of artillery ; on ad- 
vancing a short distance within the bounds of the town, the 
bells commenced ringing, and the escort was joined by a bat- 
talion of light infantry, and a body of seamen, of about two 
hundred, in blue jackets and white trowsers, with ribands on 
their hats, stamped with the name of Lafayette. 

With the hearty cheers of these hardy sons of Neptune, the 
General appeared to be peculiarly impressed. Over South 
Salem bridge were two ta?tefu]ly decorated arches — one bear- 



fiKNEKAL J.AKAYETXK. oS5 

ing the inscription "Welcome Illustrious Chief! Re- 
ceive the pledges of thy Children to sustain with fidelity the 
principles that first associated Lafayette with the destinies of 
America.'''' These arches were surrounded by an immense 
number of citizens, who made the air ring with their huzzas and 
welcomes. The figure of an Indian Chief characteristically 
dressed, bore labels inscribed " Lafayette and Liberty. Wel- 
come generous Lafayette.''^ 

Civic arches, historical and patriotic inscriptions, memorable 
eras, wreaths of flowers and ever-greens, banners and flags, 
were displayed in many of the streets, enlivening the scene, 
animating the cheers, and affording grateful recollections. 

Central-street was gayly dressed in colours, and on an ele- 
gant arch were inscribed the names of distinguished patriots of 
the revolution, crowned with those of Washington and La- 
fayette. In North-street a similar arch bore the inscription : — 
" Honour to him who fought and bled for the happiness and 
peace we now enjoy." On an arch at BufFum's corner, was 
inscribed, " Lafayette, the friend of Liberty, we welcome to 
the land of liberty. He did n,ot forget us in our adversity — Li 
our prosperity we remember his services ivith gratitude." Near 
the above, another arch bore a likeness of Lafayette, sur- 
mounted by an eagle. 

Near the avenue leading to the bridge, at which, in Febru- 
ary, 1775, Colonel Leslie, with a detachment of the British 
64th regiment, met with a repulse in an attempt to carry off 
some cannon deposited in the vicinity, were banners, with the 
following inscription: — 

^^ Leslie^ s Repulse, 1775. 
Lafayette'' s Renown, 1824. 

Washington-square was decorated with two arches, tasteful- 
ly ornamented, one bearing the name of the General, in oaken 
characters, and the second a luist of Washington. 

On Washington-square the General passed between two 
lines of boys, about one thousand in number, arrayed under 
their respective instructers, all bearing Lafayette badges. One 
of the gates of the square bore this inscription : — " The children 
welcome ivith joy, the illustrious benefactor of their fathers.''^ 
And as the General passed, they shouted " Welcome Lafayette.''^ 

Notwithstanding the heavy rain, this youthful band could not 
he prevailed upon to leave the ground, but remained bravely 

40" 



386 THE TOUR OF 

at their post, until they had shared with their parents in the 
honour and happiness of greeting the nation's guest. 

From Washington Square the procession passed to the La- 
fayette Coffee House, in Essex-street, where, upon a stage 
erected in front of the house, the General and his suite, the 
invited guests, and other gentlemen of distinction, were receiv- 
ed \^ the Committee of Arrangements. Judge Story, the 
President of the day, in presence of the committee and com- 
pany upon the stage, and of an immense concourse of people, 
then delivered in the most interesting and elegant manner to 
General Lafayette the following Address : — 
" General Lafayette — 

Sir — Forty years have elapsed since the inhabitants of this 
town had the pleasure to welcome you within its limits. Many 
who then hailed your arrival with pride and exultation, have 
descended to the grave, and cannot greet you on your lon^ 
desired return. But, thanks to a good Providence, many are 
yet alive who recollect with grateful sensibility the universal 
joy of that occasion. Your disinterested zeal in embarking in 
a cause, deemed almost hopeless — your personal sacrifices in 
quitting a home endeared by all the blessings with which affec- 
tion and virtue can adorn life — your toils and perils in the con- 
flicts of war and the vicissitudes of a discouraging service — your 
modest dignity and enthusiasm on receiving the homage of a 
free people — these were all fresh in their memories, and gave 
an interest to the scene, which cannot be described, but which 
Time has hallowed with his most touching grace. I stand now 
in the presence of some, venerable in age and character, who 
were the delighted witnesses of that interview, and whose hearts 
again glow with the feelings of that happy day. 

" To us of a younger generation — the descendants of your 
early friends and companions in arms — a diffei'ent, but not less 
interesting privilege belongs. We are allowed the enviable 
distinction of meeting, in his riper years, one, whom our Fathers 
loved in their youth. We welcome you to our country — to 
our homes — to our hearts. We have read the history of your 
achievements — your honours — and your sufferings. They are 
associated with all that is dear to us — with the battle grounds 
consecrated by the blood of our heroes — with tiie tender recol- 
lections of our departed statesmen — with the affectionate re- 
verence of our surviving patriots. Can we forget that we were 
poor and struggling alone in the doubtful contest for Indepen- 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 387 

dence, and you crossed the Atlantic at the hazard of fortune 
and fame to cheer us in our resistance ? That you re-crossed 
it to solicit naval and military succours from the throne of 
France, and returned widi fi'iumphant success ? That your 
gallantry in the southern campaigns checked the inroads of a 
brave and confident enemy ? That your military labours closed 
but with the surrender at Yorktovvn, and dius indissolubly 
united your name with the proud events of that glorious day. 
We cannot forget these things if we would. — We would not 
forget them if we could. They will not be forgotten, until 
America ceases to be a Nation. 

" But we have yet higher sources of gratification on the pre- 
sent occasion. You have been the friend not merely of Ameri- 
ca, but of France, and of the cause of Liberty throughout the 
World. During a long life, and in the most trying scenes, 
you have done no act for which virtue need blush, or humani- 
ty weep. Your private character has not cast a shade on your 
public honours. In the palaces of Paris and the dungeons of 
Olmutz, in the splendor of power, and the gloom of banish- 
ment, you have been the friend of justice, and the asserter of 
the rights of man. — Under every misfortune you have never 
deserted your principles. What earthly prize can afford con- 
solations like this ? The favour of Princes and the applause! 
of Senates sink into absolute nothingness in comparison widi j 
the approving conscience of a life devoted to the good of man-/ 
kind. At this very moment you are realizing the brightest 
visions of your youth, in the spectacle often millions of people, 
prosperous and happy under a free government, whosejiipral 
Strength consists in the courage and intelligence of its citizens. 
These milfions welcome you to tlie shores of the West with 
spontaneous unanimity; and the voice which now addresses 
you, feeble as it is, repeats but the thoughts that are ready to 
burst from the lips of every American." 

To which the General made the following very appropriate 
and affecting reply : — 

" On my happy return to this shore of liberty, I had antici- 
pated the pleasure to revisit the town of Salem, to witness her 
so much increased prosperity, to recall with surviving old friends, 
our revolutionary recollections. But in the affectionate wel- 
come of the new generations, I find additional causes for de- 
lightful gratification. 

" You have been pleased, Sir, to allude to several circum- 



388 THK TO UK Of 

Stances of my liie. The first of them I have shared in common 
\Arith my dear companions during our American glorious strug- 
gle. In the transactions of another hemisphere, I have made 
it a constant object not to be unworthy of the American educa^ 
tion it had been my happy lot to receive. 

" I request you, Sir, the gentlemen of the committee, and 
all the citizens of Salem, to accept of the respectful thanks of 
a grateful and very anciently affectionate heart." 

A very impressive circumstance occurred in the delivery of 
the Honourable President's address, which produced an electric 
effect upon all present ; after enumerating the distinguished 
benefits conferred upon our country by Lafayette, he said, " we 
/could not forget them if we would — we would not forget them if 
vvve could." — A spontaneous ascent was immediately returned 
by the crowd. No, never ! and was repeated by thousands of 
voices accompanied by deafening shouts of applause. The 
General was then introduced to the citizens of the town, and 
other gentlemen, among whom were several revolutionary 
officers and soldiers, who had come from various parts of the 
country to welcome their old General, who recalled to his me- 
mory many striking incidents which occurred in the revolution- 
ary war, in different parts of the country while they were serv- 
ing under his command. At 3 o'clock the General was es- 
corted to Hamilton Hall by the battalion of Light Infantry. 

A company of about three hundred gentlemen, with their 
invited guests, partook of a very sumptuous dinner at the Hall, 
at which the Honourable Judge Story presided. 

This spacious and elegant Hall (which bears the name of 
the lamented friend of Lafayette,) was decorated with great 
taste and elegance by the ladies of Salem, who contributed 
their share to the preparations for this welcome visit. The 
whole efTect was beyond our power of description. The 
Orchestra was ornamented with wreaths and festoons of flow- 
ers and ever-greens, encircling the inscriptions — 
Welcome, welcome, be the brave 
To the homes he fought to save. 

Lafayette, our friend in times which tried men's souls. 

La Grange. 

Lafayette in America ; 

Ou peut on etre mieux 

Qu' au sein de sa famille. 

Under the Orchestra was suspended a golden harp, beauti- 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 389 






fully ornamented. Jn a recess above the chair of our distin^ 
guished guest was a bust of Washington, crowned with an olive 
wreath, the American Eagle holding a crown over the head of 
Lafayette, and an elegant arch supported by columns contain- 
ing the names of the Presidents of the United States. 

On each side of this were triumphal arches, and all were 
decorated with wreaths of flowers and ever-greens. 

Inscriptions were displayed in other parts of the hall ; among 
them the following : — 

Hail, gallant chief, our country's early friend, 
Long life be thine, and brightening to the end. 
Though France claim thy birth, here at home shall thou be, 
For thine is the love of the brave and the free. 

The columns were ornamented with WTcaths of oak-leaves, 
and the room was hung with festoons of flowers, ever-greens, 
and flags. The elegant chandelier and lamps, mirrors and 
window-curtains, were beautifully encircled with wreaths and 
festoons. Flowers, plants, and rich and beautiful paintings, 
were distributed in various places. The whole arrangement 
discovered great taste and elegance. 

Among the invited guests, were the son and suite of our illus- 
trious guest. General Dearborn, his Excellency the Colombian 
Minister, Colonel Pickering and Colonel Lee, of the revolu- 
tionaiy army, Colonel Harris and Everett, aids of his excellen- 
cy die Governor, General H. A. S. Dearborn, General Win- 
gate, of Portland, and the ordained clergy of the town. 

About half past 5 o'clock General Lafayette took leave of 
the company at the Hall, attended by a deputation from the 
Committee of Arrangements, who were instructed to accom- 
pany him to Ipswich, but the General entreated the committee 
to dispense with this attention, on account of the inclemency of 
the weather, and he was escorted out of town by the battalion 
of cavalry. 

At Beverly and Ipswich he received from the assembled in- 
habitants, the same cordial welcome with which he had been 
greeted in other towns, through which he passed. The select- 
men of these places waited on him, and offered him the con- 
gratulations of their fellow citizens ; the people greeted him 
with repeated cheers of " welcome, welcome, Lafayette ;" and 
arches were erected at several public places, containing appro- 
priate mottos. The houses of the villages through which he 
passed, after the evening set in, were brilliantly illuminated. 



3Q0 THE TOUR UV 

The following address was delivered at Beverly, by the 
Honourable Robert Ranloul : — 

" General — The inhabitants of Beverly bid you welcome. 
We welcome you to our country — that country which owes so 
much to your aid ip the acquisition of her independence. We 
receive you not merely as the friend of our beloved country, but 
as the friend of man. Your labours, your sacrifices, your suf- 
ferings in the cause of liberty, demand our gratitude. Tyrants 
receive the commanded adulation of their slaves, but to tlie 
benefactors of our race belong the spontaneous effusions of our 
hearts. Accept our sincere congratulations that you live to 
witness the order, the prosperity, the happiness that results 
from our free insthutions ; and may the evening of your days 
be solaced with the reflection that those principles of govern- 
ment, to the support of which your life' has been devoted, and 
which alone can secure the enjoyment of rational liberty, are 
fast spreading their influence through the whole family of man. 
Wishing you long life and uninterrupted happiness, we bid you 
farewell." 

It was evening when he arrived at Ipswich, and the weather 
was very inclement. The iphabitants had, therefore, assem- 
bled in the meeting-house to receive him. Thither he was 
conducted by a committee of the town ; and on his entrance, 
he was greeted with great exultation and joy. One of the 
committee addressed him as follows : — 

" General Lafayette — Accept from the people of Ipswich, 
their cordial congratulations on your arrival in their country, 
and within their own borders. To this ancient town, Sir, we 
bid you a joyful welcome. 

" Having devoted to our beloved country, in her weak and 
critical situation, the vigour of your youth and the resources of 
a mind intent on the cause of freedom and humanity, and com- 
mitted to a common lot with her, your own destinies, that 
country can never forget the services you rendered, and the 
sacrifices you incurred, for her defence and protection, when 
assailed by overbearing power. 

" We rejoice in having an opportunity of presenting ourselves 
in this house, consecrated to the worship of the God of our 
fatliers, who has kindly raised up friends and patrons of the 
cause of our country and of liberty, to pay to you our grateful 
respect for your eminent labours. 

" Most of those who acted in, or witnessed the great scenes 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 301 

in which you bore so conspicuous a part, have now descended 
to the tombs of their fathers. The present generation can re- 
hearse only what they have heard with Uaeir ears, and their 
fathers have told them. But the name of Lafayette is not 
confbied to any generation. While the liberties of America 
shall endure, it will descend from father to son, associated with 
those of the immortal Washington, and other heroes and sages 
of our revolution, as the friend of our country, of liberty, and 
of man. 

" Illustrious benefactor — may the blessings of heaven ever 
attend you, and may your remaining days be as happy, as your 
past have been perilous, usefid, and honourable." 

To which the General made the following reply : — 

" Sir — The attentions paid me by my American friends, I 
receive with inexpressible gratitude. I regret that so many of 
my friends here, should be exposed on my account to this storm. 
1 have ever considered it my pride and my honour, diat I em- 
barked in the cause of Independence in this country ; and I 
rejoiced when I found myself again landed on the American 
shores. You, kind Sir, the people of this town, and all who 
are assembled in this solemn place, will please to accept my 
thanks for this expression of your attachment, and receive my 
best wishes for your individual prosperity and happiness." 

He reached Newburyport a little past 10 o'clock, where he 
passed the night. His lodgings were the same which Wash- 
ington occupied, when he made his tour through the northern 
states, in 1789, the first year of his presidency. The follow- 
ing address was made to him, by tlie chairman of a committee 
of that town : — 

" General Lafayette — The citizens of Newburyport are 
happy in this opportunity of greeting, with the warmest wel- 
come, a distinguished benefactor of their country. 
^ " The important services which you rendered this people \ 
in the day of their distress ; the devotedness which you mani- | 
fested in their perilous cause, and tlje_dangers which you sought , 
for their relief, are incoi-porated in our history, and firmly en- / 
grav^en upon our hearts. '^ 

" We would lead you to our institutions of learning, charity,^ 
and religion ; we would point you to our hills and valleys co- 1 
vered with flocks, and smiling in abundance, that you may! 
behold the happy effects of those principles of liberty, whichi 
you was so instrumental in establishing. J 



392 THE TOUK OF 

^^"' " Our children cluster about you to receive a patriot's bless- 
/ ing. Our citizens press forward to show their gratitude. Our 
1 nation pays you a tribute, which must remove the reproach 
\that republics are ungrateful. 

" As the zealous advocate for civil liberty, we bid you wel- 
come ; as the brave defender of an oppressed people, we make 
you welcome ; as the friend and associate of our immortal 
Washington, we bid you welcome." 

General Lafayette replied in his usually courteous and ani- 
mated manner, and evinced his great sensibility to the kind and 
friendly greetings with which he had been received. He here 
also met several veterans of the revolutionary army ; a gratifi- 
cation which he enjoyed in almost every place he visited. 
Though the number is rapidly lessening, a few remain in most 
of the populous towns of the Commonwealth. 

One of those presented to General Lafayette at this place, 
was Mr. Daniel Foster, one of the non-commissioned officers 
of the Light Infantry corps, commanded by " the Marquis" in 
1780, and who brought with him the cutlass which he then 
gave to the non-commissioned officers of the select corps. 
[He also made a present of a handsome cut-and-thrust sword 
to each Officer of the Light Infantry, his favourite corjj5."] 
The General greeted the old soldier with cordiality, and on 
seeing his own mark on the blade, assured him he looked upon 
him as "one of his own family." 

He left Newburyport Wednesday morning for the capital of 
New-Hampshire. The escort contemplated to have attended 
him on his way to the bounds of the state, was prevented by 
the heavy rain. It was at his urgent request that it was dispensed 
with. The committee of the town, however, acconjpanied him 
to Hampton, where he was met by a deputation from Ports- 
mouth, and conducted on his intended route. When passing 
through Greenland, a procession of the citizens was formed, by 
which he was attended through the village. Here he was wel- 
comed also by salutes from an artillery company, by civic 
arches, and repeated acclamations of tlie assembled people. 
One of the arches was supported by two young ladies, repre- 
senting Liberty and Peace. One presented him with a wreath, 
adorned with flowers, and said, " Venerable sire, condescend to 
receive this emblem of the heroes glory, as the token of a nation's 
gratitude and love.^* The other presented him the olive 
branch, savins;, " Good and peaceful servant, peace and happi- 



GENERAL LAFAVr-TTE. S93 

ness await youy He received tliese witli complacency, took 
each young lady by the hand, and made an affectionate reply. 

He then proceeded to Portsmouth, where he arrived about 
noon. He was conducted into this town by an escort on horse- 
back, and a procession of carriages, composed of the civil, ju- 
dicial, and legislative authorities ; officers of the United States, 
and of New-Hampshire, &;c. &;c. The margin of the avenue 
leading to the centre of the town, was lined with children, with 
the inhabitants of both sexes in the rear ; who greeted him with 
their cordial welcomes and repeated acclamations. Salutes 
were fired, and the streets through which the procession 
passed, were crowned with arches, decorated with wreaths 
of ever-green and garlands of flowers. The procession moved 
through several streets to Franklin Hall : and here when 
General Lafayette alighted, the chairman of the Selectmen 
addressed him thus : — 

" Sir— The Selectmen of Portsmouth, in behalf of their 
fellow citizens, most respectfully and heartily bid you wel- 
come. 

" Enjoying, as we do, the happiness of a free government, 
we cannot but feel grateful to all, by whose exertions it was 
obtained. Those intrepid men among ourselves, who in the 
hour of danger stood forth in defence of their country's rights, 
have a lasting claim upon our regard. But in contending for 
the liberty of their country, they were striving to secure their 
own happiness, and the prosperity of their children. They 
found a motive for exertion in their own interest ; which, while 
it derogates nothing from the value of their services, places in 
light, the pure zeal and Contempt of private advantage, which 
led you to our aid, from tne shores of a foreign land. Their 
love of liberty was necessarily the sentiment of patriotism ; 
yours was an ardent desire for the general welfare of man- 
kind. 

" After an absence of forty years from our country, most of 
which have been passed in scenes of unexampled excitement 
and perplexity, it gives us peculiar pleasure to find you still the 
firm and consistent friend of liberal principles. We have 
watched the progress of your eventful life with unaffected sym- 
pathy ; whether at the head of the National Guards, in the 
dungeons of Magdeburg and Olmutz, in the Chamber of De- 
puties, we have found nothing to lessen our esteem for the 
early friend of America. 



394 THK TOUR OF 

" Permit us then to receive you as our guest ; and to pay 
you such honours as are in our power to bestow. They are 
the voluntary tribute of warm and grateful hearts. We wish 
our children to Team, that eminent virtue affords the highest 
claim to honourable distinction ; and that among a free people, 
merit will not fail of its appropriate reward. 

" We beg you to accept our sincere wishes for your health 
and happiness, and our prayers will be offered, that your ex- 
ample may animate the wise and good in every nation, to con- 
tend manfully and perseveringly for the freedom and happiness 
of the world." 

To which the General made the following reply : — 

" Gentlemen — It would have been to me an inexpressible 
gratification on this first visit to the eastern parts of the Union, 
after so long an absence, to have been able to present the se- 
veral tovras of New-Hampshire with my personal respect, and 
to have witnessed the great improvement of a State, to which 
I am bound by early sentiments of attachment and gratitude. 

" Obliged, as I find myself, to take a southern course to- 
wards the seat of government, at Washington, I am happy to 
revisit, at least, the town of Portsmouth, where the remem- 
brance of past favours mingles with most grateful feelings for 
your present affectionate and flattering reception. 

" I thank you, gentlemen, for your constant concern in my 
behalf, during the vicissitudes to which you are pleased to allude. 
The approbation of a free, virtuous, and enlightened people, 
would be the highest reward for any one who knows how to 
value true glory; still more so, when it is bestowed on an 
adopted son. , 

" To the citizens of Portsmouth and their worthy Select- 
men, I offer my most respectful and affectionate acknowledg- 
ments." 

Governor Morril gave him the hearty welcome of the State, 
in the following address : — 

" General — Forty years have rolled away since you left this 
asylum of liberty, for your country. During this eventful pe- 
riod our cities have advanced, and villages have been reared ; 
but our Langdon, our Chilley, our Poor, our Sullivan, and our 
Washington, have passed from the stage of human action, and 
are gone to the land of their fathers. Although they are gone,A 
their sons survive, and the patriotism and love of liberty which , 
animated their breasts, and excited them to those glorious acts,y 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 39-5 



A 



uring our revolution, in which you, Sir, shone so conspicu-'' 
ously, are now cherished in the bosoms of their posterity ; — and 
we rejoice to be numbered among them ; — and in the name of 
the patriotic citizens of New-Hampshire generally, allow me to 
say, that it is with no ordinary emotions we receive and wel 
come you to our State. 

" We receive you. Sir, as the friend of our nation, of liberty, 
and the rights of man. 

" We welcome you as the magnanimous hero, who in early 
life, from the most pure and disinterested motives, quitted your 
native country, and repaired to these Colonies, then the seat of 
war, (contending for independence,) to embark in the struggle 
for the preservation of those rights, and the achievement of those 
privileges, which are more precious to the patriot than life 
itself. And, Sir, it is our ardent desire, that the gratitude of 
republics, but more especially of the Republic of the United 
States, and the smiles of Heaven, may rest upon you to the last 
period of your life." 

The General, in his characteristic reply, alluded very affec- 
tionately to his departed associates ; and the interesting changes 
which had taken place since he left the country. It is not ne- 
cessary to add, that he expressed with emotion his acknow- 
ledgments for the cordiality of his welcome. 

Numerous presentations took place ; — of which were at 
least thirty old soldiers. These scenes are always in the 
highest degree interesting and affecting. They are all heart. 
He recognised General Smith, of Portland, who served as 
Captain in his favourite Light Infantry for three years. On 
clasping the hands of these associates in perils and adversity, he 
continually repeats, " 1 am very happyy The dinner was 
sumptuous. — The Hon. Mr. Parrott presided, assisted by N. A. 
Haven, E. Cutts, jun. E. G. Parrott, L. Boardman, B. Pen- 
hallaw, E. Roberts, W. M. Shackford, and S. Larkin, Esq'rs. 

The President associated " General Lafayette and the 
Rights of Man." 

General Lafayette responded — " the town of Portsmouth — \ 
May the blessings of the republican institutions ever give the lie 
to the narrow, selfish sophistry of European Aristocracy and 
Despotism." •^ 

There was a very splendid ball in the evening, in honour 
of Lafayette, which he attended, and where a great number 



396 THE TULK OF 

of ladies were presented to him. He left Portsmouth, 11 
o'clock at night, to return to Boston, having engaged to be 
'there on Thursday morning. While at Portsmouth he received 
pressing invitations to visit Exeter and Dover, but was obliged 
to decline them. 

He reached Boston about 7 o'clock, Thursday morning ; 
and after taking some necessary repose, he received a number 
of revolutionary officers and soldiers ; and deputations from 
several towns in the interior, lying on his route to Connecticut. 
He then repaired to the Council Chamber, and took leave of 
the Governor and other members of the Supreme Executive : 
and afterwards set off for Lexington and Concord, and thence 
to Bolton, on his way to Worcester. He left Boston at about 
two o'clock, in a carriage provided by the State for his ac- 
commodation, and attended by the Committee of Arrangements 
of the city, and by the Governor's aids, who waited on him to 
the bounds of Connecticut. When he left the city, he express- 
ed the gratification and delight he had experienced from the 
interesting recollections which had occurred to his mind, and 
from the great cordiality and affection with which he had been 
received. The Mayor assured him, that he and others were 
happy in the opportunity they had to manifest their attachment 
and respect to the early and faithful friend of the nation, and the 
firm and uniform friend of civil liberty. 

Wlien he passed through West Cambridge, the whole popu- 
lation of the town were assembled to honour the friend and 
guest of the nation, and to gratify their patriotic feelings by be- 
holding this justly celebrated personage. 

The civic arch which extended across the road near the 
meeting-house, in West Cambridge, bore this inscription : — 
" Welcome ! Friend of Washington ! 
Fayette ! Fair Freedom's champion !" 

Artillery corps stationed on the eminences adjoining the 
public road saluted him as he passed ^ and the country rung 
with loud huzzas and joyful acclamaftons. At the line of 
Lexington, he was received by a troop of horse, and cavalcade 
of citizens, who conducted him into that ancient town. On 
his way, he passed under an arch, bearing this inscription : — 
" Welcome, friend of America, to the birth-place of American 
libertyy Salutes were again fired, and he was then conduct- 
ed to the monument erected in memorv of the attack of the 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 397 

British troops upon the militia of that place, April 19th, 1775. 
He was here welcomed and addressed by E. Phinney, Esq. 
in behalf of the town, as follows : — 

" General — In behalf of the Committee of Arrangements, 
and the inhabitants of Lexington, allow me, Sir, to tender you 
the assurance of their most respectful and cordial welcome to 
this town. Impressed with a sense of the important services 
you have rendered to this country, they meet you on this oc- 
casion, and upon this memorable spot, with hearts swelling with j 
every emotion which a generous love for your exalted character, j 
and a grateful remembrance of the distinguished lustre of your / 
deeds, can inspire. 

" On this hallowed ground, consecrated by the blood of the 
first martyrs to liberty, was kindled that flame which roused a 
nation to arms, and conducted them through peril and blood, 
to a glorious independence. Here a small band of patriots, .' 
hurled the first signal of defiance to a host in arms, and taught j 
the enemies of their country, the appaling truth, that Ameriy 
cans dared to die in defence of their rights. 

" These hardy and viituous yeomanry of our country, offer 
you the sincere tribute of their warmest affections, Among^^ 
them, your presence has awakened emotions too powerful for^/ 
utterance. With the name of Lafayette, is associated everj' 
comfort which sweetens the fruit of their toil, every charm 
which crowns the altar of domestic happiness. Under the 
shadow of that glorious fabric, which your hand assisted in 
rearing, they repose in peace and security. 

" Permit us. Sir, in common with grateful millions, to ex- >.,, 
press our earnest solicitations, that a life which has, for so j 
many years, been steadily devoted to the cause of rational \ 
liberty ; which has so long encountered without dismay the ) 
frowns of arbitrary power, may be preserved for many years / 
to come, a blessing and an honour to mankind ; and when j 
you, Sir, and your brave associates in the war of the revolu- 
tion, shall have ceased from your earthly labours, instead of the / 
Fathers, may their children rise up to bless your memorv/ 
and emulate your virtues." 

The General in his reply, alluded with sensibility to the 
pleasure he felt in being able so early to visit scenes so 
memorable. 

Near the monument, he was introduced to fourteen of the 
militia companv, which had assembled at that time, and on 



398 THE TOUR OF 

whom the regular troops fired, when eight of the number were 
slain. 

After this very interesting scene, General Lafayette pro- 
ceeded to Concord, and was met at the line, between that 
place and Lexington, by a committee of the town, and a re- 
spectable cavalcade of the intelligent yeomanry of the vicinity; 
there was also an escort composed of several companies of the 
militia. The procession thus formed, moved towards the vil- 
lage, and the disinterested visiter was conducted to a spacious 
bower, prepared for his reception, and tastefully decorated with 
ever-greens and flowers, by the ladies of Concord. As he 
entered the village, he received a salute from the artillery 
corps, and the vocal salutations of the inhabitants of both sexes, 
who had assembled to present him their grateful offerings. 
The peals of the village bell prolonged the' acclamations of the 
admiring throng. The following inscription was to be seen in 
a conspicuous place in the arbour — " In 1775, the people of 
Concord met the enemies of liberty ; In 1 824, they welcome the 
hold asserter of the rights of man, Lafayette." A sumptu- 
ous repast was provided for the occasion ; and the tables were 
covered with all the delicacies the season and country could 
afford. 

When General Lafayette had entered the arbour, one of 
the citizens addressed him in the following speech : — 

" The inhabitants of Concord, by this delegation, welcome 
you, General, to their village. We thank you for affording us 
an opportunity here to offer our humble tribute of gratitude, 
for services long since rendered, but still held in Hvely recol- 
lection. You, Sir, now behold the spot on which the first 
forcible resistance was made toasystemof measures calculated 
to deprive the whole people of these States of the privileges 
of freemen. You approved this resistance. A just estimate 
of the value of rational liberty led you disinterestedly, to par- 
ticipate with strangers in tlie toils, the privations, and the dan- 
gers of an arduous contest. From the 19th day of April, 1775; 
here noted in blood, to the memorable day in Yorktown, yourj 
heart and your sword were widi us. Ten millions of grateful 
people now enjoy the fruits of this struggle. We can but re- 
peat to you. Sir, the cordial, affectionate, respectful welcome i 
offered you at your first arrival on our shores, and which we 
are assured will be reiterated wherever you move on American ■ 
ground." 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 399 

The General was, as usual, extremely happy in his reply, 
and alluded with sensibility to the memorable scenes of April 
19th, 1775. 

The ladies of Concord and vicinity, were present at this 
civic and patriotic repast ; and it added much to the interest 
and splendour of the scene. Coffee was served up, as a 
counter-part of the entertainment ; and Lafayette appeared to 
be highly pleased with the hearty reception which he met in 
this hospitable town. Some revolutionary characters called 
upon him here, who had not before seen him since he arrived, 
and were received with great cordiality. He spoke of the gun 
which had been shown him in Boston, by an inhabitant of 
Concord or vicinity, and which was first fired against the minis- 
terial troops of Britain. He said " it was the alarm gun to all 
Europe and to the world ; for it was the signal, which summon- 
ed the civilized world to assert their rights, and to become 
free." 

The visit at Concord was necessarily short, as he had en- 
gaged to pass the night at Bolton, about twenty miles distant. 
He left Concord at sun-set ; and was escorted on his route to 
Bolton, by a company of cavalry, and several gentlemen of 
distinction belonging to that place and vicinity. He was every 
where greeted by the people, who collected in companies at 
various places, to offer him their hearty welcome. The houses 
on the road were illuminated, and bonfires were kindled on the 
adjoining hills. The militia of Bolton were assembled to re- 
ceive him, though it was late in the evening when he arrived. 
The Selectmen offered him their salutations and welcome, in 
the name of the town. He passed the night at the hospitable 
mansion of Mr. Wilder, where taste, variety, and elegance, con- 
tributed to render his reception very distinguished. Mr. Wil- 
der had resided much in France, and was particularly acquaint- 
ed with Lafayette and family. Committees from Lancaster 
and Worcester waited on him at Bolton, to learn his plans, and 
the probable hours of his being in those places, and to com- 
municate the desires of the people, to present him their tribute 
of affection and regard. 

He visited Lancaster early on Friday morning, .where all 
classes of the inhabitants were assembled to bid him welcome, 
and to express the affectionate sentiments by which their glow- 
ing bosoms were animated. A corps of cavalry still escorted 
him — a national salute was fired — and the turnpike gate, at the 



400 THE TOUR OK 

entrance of the village, was ornamented with garlands of flow- 
ers and ever-greens, and displayed this inscription : — " The 
Free welcome the Brave." He was conducted through lines, 
formed by the citizens of both sexes, to an elevated platform, 
prepared in the centre of the village, and near the church ; 
where he was addressed by the Reverend Pastor — 

" General Lafayette — In behalf of the inhabitants of Lan- 
caster, I offer you their cordial congratulations on your arrival 
in a country, whose wrongs you felt and resented ; whose liber- 
ties you so valiantly defended ; and whose interests and pros- 
pects have always been dear to your soul. 

" We all unite with die few surviving veterans, who were 
with, loved, and respected you on the high places of the field, 
in giving you a welcome to this village, once the chosen resi- 
dence of savages, and the scene of their most boasted triumph ; 
and rejoice that you visit it under the improvements of civilized 
life, in prosperity and peace. 

" It gladdens us, that we and our children may behold the 
man, whom we have believed, and whom we have taught them 
to believe, was second only to his and our friend, the immortal 
Washington. We participate in your joy, on beholding our 
institutions in vigour, our population extended, so that, since 
you left us, from a little one we have become millions, and 
from a small band a strong nation ; that you see our glory rising, 
our republic placed on an immoveable basis, all of which are 
in part, under Providence, to be ascribed to your sacrifices, 
dangers, and toils. 

" We wish you health and prosperity. We assure you that 
wherever you shall go, you will be greeted by our fellow coun- 
trymen, as one of the chief deliverers of America, and the 
\ friend of rational liberty, and of man. It is especially our 
/prayer, that on that day in which the acclamations and ap- 
/ plauses of dying men shall cease to reach or affect you, you 
may receive from the Judge of character and Dispenser of im- 
1 perishable honours, as the reward of philanthropy and incor- 
^-iuptible integrity, a crown of glory which shall never fade." 

It is unnecessary to add, that this eloquent and pious greet- 
ing excited strong emotions in the General, and had an impres- 
sive effect on the assemblage who heard it. 

The following is a report of General Lafayette's reply : — 

" Accept my thanks. Sir, for the kind welcome you have 
offered me in the nnmo of the inhabitants of Lancaster. In 



GENERAL LAFAVETTE. 401 

returning to this country aftei- so long an absence ; in receiving 
such proofs of gratitude and affection wherever I go ; in wit- 
nessing the prosperity of this land — a prosperity you are pleas- 
ed to say, I have been instrumental in promoting ; — I feel 
emotions for which no language is adequate. In meeting again 
my former friends, in seeing the children and grand children of 
those who were my companions in the war of the revolution, 
I feel a gratification which no words can express. I beg you 
to accept, Sir, and to offer to these people, my grateful, my 
affectionate acknowledgments. " 

The surviving soldiers of the revolution were then intro- 
duced to him, and were received with those cordial and touch- 
ing feelings, which cannot be described. He noticed with 
affability the interest which the ladies discovered in pressing 
forward to greet him. After receiving attentions, and recipro- 
cating heart-felt delight, for about fifteen minutes, he remount- 
ed his carriage, and pursued his journey, amidst cordial huzzas 
and a salute- of artillery. 

His approach to the flourishing village of Sterling was an- 
nounced by a salute of artillery, and he was introduced by two 
beautiful companies of Light Infantry, under Captain Dana, of 
Sterling, and Captain Merriam, of Princeton. Under a spa- 
cious arch of ever-greens and flowers, bearing a label in gold 
capitals, 

"welcome Lafayette; 
Amei'icci's adopted Son, 
Brother and friend of Washington. 
Our land in trouble fpund a friend in thee, 
We'll not forget thefe in prosperity." 

He was met by the Selectmen, who, by their Chairman, Mr. 
Isaac Goodwin, addressed him as follows : — 

" General Lafayette — The Selectmen in behalf of the citi- 
zens of Sterling, welcome your arrival at their village. The 
name of this town associates with it the recollection of another 
transatlantic hero, who hke yourself, Sir, felt a sympathy for 
our father's wrongs, and whose sword was unsheathed for their 
redress. Lord Sterling, the gallant and the generous, now 
sleeps in the dust, but the memory of America's benefactors 
will survive the decay of time. The multitudes that hail your 
march through this part of our country are not the assemblages 
of idle crowds, seeking to gratify a morbid curiosity, but. Sir, 
the men around you are the independent possessors of t,heir 



402 THK TULU uF 

fields, and the defenders of iheir homes. tVom hoary age t> 
lisping childhood, our whole population are eager of contribut- 
ing deserved honours to the companion of Washington, the 
benefactor of our country, and the friend of mankind." 

To which, in substance, the General replied : — 

" I feel grateful for my kind reception here. I rejoice in 
your prosperity, and am happy to be among you. The name 
of your town recalls the recollection of Lord Sterling. He was 
my intimate friend as well as companion in arms. I venerate 
his memory, and when in New- York I had the pleasure of call- 
ing upon his family." 

After reviewing the troops composed of Artilleiy, command- 
ed by Captain Maynard, Light Infantry, and Infantry, the lat- 
ter commanded by -Captain Holcomb, he continued his 
journey. 

At West Boylston his welcome was cordial and gratifying ; 
although his stop was necessarily very short. Another corps 
of cavalry, under Captain Estabrook, joined the splendid mili- 
tary escort. He was accompanied the whole distance from 
Boylston to Worcester by many citizens from the neighbouring 
towns. 

The General entered the limits of Worcester about half past 
10 o'clock, and was welcomed by a general burst of joy from 
a large body of citizens. Here, a barouche drawn by four 
beautiful grays was in readiness to receive him. He was ac- 
companied in the barouche by the Honourable John Lincoln, 
Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements. 

On the road the escort was joined by a regiment of volun- 
teer Infantry, under Lieutenant Colonel Ward. The road was 
thronged with people, all eager to greet the welcome Visiter. 
When the Guest arrived at an arch of colours, near Doctor 
Paine's residence, he was welcomed by a salute, the ringing of, 
the bells, and increased cheerings of the accumulated popula- 
tion. The gray-headed Veterans of the Revolution, regardless 
of ceremony, pressed up to the barouche to shake hands as he 
passed along. Upon Court hill he passed under a triumphal 
arch, so tastefully decorated by the Ladies as to attract the 
admiration of all who saw it. The children of the Schools, 
ranged in interesting order, and ornamented with Lafayette 
badges, threw laurels iu liis path, as he passed. These scenes 
are always peculiarly impressive on the heart. On a string of 
colours, extended across the street near the Bank, was the 



GENERAL I.AVAYETTK. 403 

historical motto : — Hitherto I leave only cherished your cause, 
NOW I go to serve it^ Alluding to his reply to the American 
Commissioners in France, in 1776. Underneath were inscrib- 
ed :— 

" Brandywine, Jamestown, Valley-Forge, Yorktown." 
- At these spots the cheering was increased and prolonged. 

He took breakfast, by previous invitation given at Bolton, with 
Judge Lincoln's Lady, whose spacious mansion, elegantly de- 
corated, had been thrown open, and was filled to overflow- 
ing with Ladies, who greeted their Country's Benefactor with 
smiles and tears, while their handkerchiefs were waved in 
token of welcome. Before breakfasting, Judge Lincoln de- 
livered in an animated and impressive manner, the following 
address : — 

" General Lafayette — 

" The citizens whom you see assembled around you, have 
spontaneously tlvonged together, to offer you the tribute of 
their affection, their respect, their gratitude. 

" In the name of the inhabitants of Worcester, the shire of 
an extensive county of more than 75,000 population, in behalf 
of all who are present, and. in anticipation of the commands 
of those, whom distance and want of opportunity occasion to 
be absent from this joyous scene, I repeat to you the saluta- 
tions, which elsewhere have been so impressively offered, 
upon your arrival in this country, and your visit to this Com- 
monwealth. Welcome, most cordially welcome, to the pre- 
sence of those who now greet you ! 

" Your name, Sir, is not only associated with the memorable 
events of the American Revolution, with the Battle of Bran- 
dywine, the retreat from Va-lley-Forge, the affair near James- 
town, and the triumph at Yorktown, but the memorials of 
your services and our obligations exist, in the Independence 
of the nation which was accomplished, in the Government of 
the people which is established, in the Institutions and Laws, the 
arts, improvements, liberty, and happiness, which are enjoyed. 
The Sword was beaten into the Plough-share to cultivate the 
soil which its temper had previously defended, and the hill-tops 
shall now echo to the sea-shore the gratulations of the in- 
dependent proprietors of the land, to the common Benefactor 
of all ranks and classes of the people. 

" Wherever you go. General, the acclamations of Freemen 
await you — their blessings and prayers will follow you. May 



404 THE TOUR OF 

/you live many } ears to enjoy the fruils of the services and 
/ sacrifices, the gallantry and valour of your earlier days, devot- 
/ ed to the cause of freedom and the rights of m&n ; and may 
I the bright examples of individual glory and of National happi- 
1 ness, which the history of America exhibits, illustrate to the 
\ world, the moral force of personal virtue, and the rich blessings 
of civil liberty in Republican Governments." 

The General, in reply, said, in substance : — 

" That he received with much sensibility the expressions 
of kind attention with which he was received by die Inhabi- 
tants of the town and county of Worcester — that he was de- 
lighted with the fine country which he had seen, and the 
excellent improvement and cultivation which he witnessed — 
that he saw the best proofs of a great, prosperous, and happy 
people, in the rapid advancement of the polite and useful arts, 
and in the stability of our free institutions — that he was es- 
pecially much gratified in the great improvements of the face 
of the country, because he was himself a farmer — that he felt 
happy to observe such decided proofs of industry, sobriety, and 
prosperity. — He begged the citizens to be assured of his affec- 
tionate and grateful recollection of their reception of him — he 
thanked them for all they had manifested towards him, for the 
kind expressions which had been offered him by the committee, 
and, in a feeling, impressive manner, reciprocated their good 
wishes." 

After the introduction of numerous Ladies, the troops paid 
him their honours, and received evidence of liis satisfaction at 
their soldier-like appearance and conduct. He resumed his 
journey between 2 and 3 o'clock, and was accompanied by 
.the Committee of Arrangements some miles on his way. On\ 
; this occasion, speaking of the attentions he received, he re- I 
"; marked, " It is the homage you pay to the principles of you;;- 
government, and not to ?ne." 

A company of Cavalry was sent from Sturbridge to escort 
the General from Charlton, and a company of Artillery was 
paraded to give him the usual salute. As soon as he came 
within sight of the village, which was about two miles distant, 
the marshals of the day arranged the Ladies and Citizens in 
columns two deep, and ten or twelve feet distant, extending 
from Porter's Stage-house across the Common, and continu- 
ing some distance down the turnpike. Where the road 
meets the Common, (wo ])illars had been erected about thirty 



' GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 405 

feet in height, which supported a line tastefully ornamented 
with ever-greens, festoons, flowers, and flags. Rows of ever- 
greens were planted, forming a beautiful walk, within which 
the spectators were arranged. As the Marquis and his suite 
came up to the head of the procession, he was received from 
his coach by a committee, and introduced to a few citizens, 
when he proceeded up the procession, attended by a band of 
music, his suite, the delegation from Worcester, the Clergy, 
and Committee of Arrangements ; the columns of spectators 
remaining on their posts. At a signal, cheers were given with 
all the ardour of enthusiastic patriotism. During the intervals 
there was a profound silence, and the most perfect order, except 
the reiterated echo of " Welcome Lafayette, Friend of 
America," &z;c. announced by single voices. 

Near the middle of the procession, and within the lines, were 
arranged a large company of revolutionary officers and soldiers, 
some of whom had served under Lafayette. To each one the 
General was introduced. The scene was touching. As they 
grasped the hand of the venerable Hero, in a number of in- 
stances the tear was seen to roll down the furrowed cheek of 
the veteran soldier. Many seemed unable to reply to the kind 
expressions of their beloved Marquis, who himself was deeply 
affected. A thrill of feeling indescribably tender pervaded the 
numerous spectators. A number of ladies there had the opportu- 
nity of taking him by the hand, who were in numerous instances 
melted to tears at the expressions of his kind regards, together 
with the interesting associations which his presence awakened. 
A company of small misses dressed in white, and decorated 
with garlands and flowers, attracted his attention, and reached 
out their little hands to be received in his. He then passed 
into the house amidst the most animated cheers and a thousand 
benedictions. — The whole was a scene of feeling, in which all 
the people seemed to be wrought up to the extreme of exqui- 
site emotion. Never did we witness any thing that wore so 
much the aspect of the moral sublime. Gratitude, veneration, 
sympathy, and affection, all combining in vigorous exercise, 
created a state of mind, such as very rarely exists, and which 
can be better conceived than described. 

General Lafayette was to have been received on the northern 
line of Connecticut by a troop of horse from Tolland county, 
but it being uncertain what time he would be detained on the 
road, the troops after waitins; a suitable time returned to their 



406 THK TOUK OK 

homes. Fourteen miles from Hartford he was met by the first 
company of Governor's Horse Guards, commanded by Major 
Hart. The General was expected in town on Friday evening, 
and preparations were made to illuminate Morgan-street, Main- 
street, and State House Square, the commencement of which 
was to have been announced to the citizens by two discharges 
of artillery. The evening was dark and rainy ; but notwith- 
standing the unfavourable circumstance, our streets were 
crowded with anxious and inquisitive spectators, consisting not 
only of our citizens, but visiters from a distance and the sur- 
rounding country. About 12 o'clock a discharge of guns from 
the out skirts of the town, or from East-Hartford, (for we 
could not say which,) announced, as was supposed by many, 
the approach of the General. " He is coming," was shouted by 
thousands — instantly the houses and stores of many of our citi- 
zens, particularly about State House Square, presented the most 
grand and beautiful display of the light that can be imagined. 
The Hartford Bank, from the taste with which it was decorat- 
ed, and the brilliant light which broke through from the win- 
dows attracted numerous spectators ; the elegant columns of 
free stone in front of the building were entwined with wi'eaths 
of ever-green, interspersed with flowers of various colours, and 
the doors arched and festooned with similar materials. A su- 
perb arch was erected on the west side of the State House, 
adorned with ever-greens ; upon a transparent ground was in- 
scribed " Welcome Lafayette'''' — within the scroll, at one end 
of the arch, was the inscription " York- Town'''' — upon the other 
'■'■ ^dftnmouth.''^ This transparent painting was brilliantly illu- 
minated. The State House and Phenix Bank, with many 
elegant mansions in different parts of the city, where prepara- 
tions were made for a brilliant display of fire works, were dis- 
appointed in this expression of joy, by the arrival of a messen- 
ger, about one o'clock, with the intelligence that the General 
would sleep at Stafford, about twenty-six miles from the town 
— the lights were suddenly extinguished, and the citizens retir- 
ed to rest for the night. The sound of cannon again aroused us 
from sleep at dawn of day, and though the weather continued 
inclement, people poured into the city through every street. 
About 10 o'clock, A. M. a discharge of artillery, and the ring- 
ing of all the bells, put it beyond a doubt that the General 
had indeed arrived. A carriage was furnished by Daniel 
Wadsworth, Esq. who, witli Henry L, Ellsworth, Esq. one of 



GENERAL LAFAYETTL'. 407 

the city committee, had attended him from Stafford. He 
passed the bridge across Connecticut river attended by his son 
George Washington Lafayette, Mr. Vasseur, his secretary, and 
Mr. Colden, under the escort of the First Company of Horse 
Guards. At the entrance of Morgan-street was erected an 
elegant arch, extending across the road, composed of ever- 
greens, with an inscription, " Our Illustrious Citizen, Lafay- 
ette" upon canvass — this again was surmounted with American 
colours. The procession moved up Morgan-street, to its inter- 
section with Main-street ; here the crowded assemblage of citi- 
zens commenced the acclamations of " Welcome Lafayette.^' 
As the General with his escort moved leisurely down Main- 
street, towards the State-House, shouts "of loud huzzas greeted 
him at eveiy step. The General answered this tribute of joy 
with bows and smiles, and a waving of the hand — he alighted 
at Bennet's Hotel, where he was received by the Mayor of the 
City, and His Excellency Governor Wolcott. The following 
address was presented by the Mayor in behalf of the city cor- 
poration : — 

"General Lafayette — In behalf of my fellow-citizens, I 
bid you a cordial Welcome, to the city of Hartford : a place 
many years since honoured by your presence ; and though 
most of those individuals, whose exertions were then united 
with yours to effect the freedom and independence of this 
favoured country have been removed ; still I trust you will 
discover in their descendants the same spirit of hospitality and 
patriotism, for which they were distinguished. 

" This occasion, Sir, is peculiarly calculated to recall to ) 
mind, those great and interesting events, which have taken \ 
place since your first efforts in favour of an infant country, with/ 
feeble means contending against superior and lawless powers. 

" Your marshal deeds, your counsels, and personal sacrifices,\^ 
have always been felt and acknowledged, by the people of the \ 
United States, and esteemed as signally instrumental, in effect- j 
ing their independence, and securing those blessings which they' 
now enjoy. 

" The best reward, for all this, I doubt not, you will find, in 
beholding the country filled with flourishing towns and villages, 
inhabited by freemen, possessed of the knowlede of their na- 
tive rights, and in a condition to protect and defend them ; ex- 
hibiting universal and unequivocal proofs of sincere affection 
and gratitnr'o. to tlip illii^frtovs Ffpuefacfor of their country. 



408 THE TOUR OF 

" The names of Washington and Lafayette, with the pre- 
sent, and all future generations, will be associated, with liberty, 
freedom, and happiness. 

" While expressing these sentiments, permit me to add my 
sincere personal wishes for your prosperity ; that your stay in 
our country may be long and happy, and that the best of 
Heaven's blessings may ever attend you." 

At the Hotel the General partook of a repast ordered by the 
Corporation, at which the Governor, Mayor, and Common 
Council, with several other distinguished citizens and strangers 
were invited guests. After resting about an hour, a barouche 
drawn by four elegant white horses, emblematical of the joyous 
occasion, deceived the General, accompanied by the Governor, 
from whence they proceeded to review the troops. As the 
carriage commenced its movements up Main-street, we were 
struck with a reflection upon the interesting coincidence, that 
on this very spot where stood his carriage, G-ejjeral Washington 
j&rst met General Kochamb-eau^.. at the head, of the French 
army, after their arrival from France to aid in the cause of the 
revolution. Here Washington and Hamilton, and several other 
American officers first shook hands in the presence of Lafayette, 
with the officers of the French army. This place too, was in 
front of the mansion where those officers conv^ened from day to 
day to project and mature the siege of York-Town, which ended 
in securing our independence — the parent of those joys which 
this day lighted up the countenances of so many thousands. 
This surely was hallowed ground. The General's carriage 
was attended by others, in which were his son George Wash- 
ington Lafayette, and the General's Secretary, Mr. Vasseur, 
Mr. Colden, General Terry, and others of the Comnlittee of 
Arrangements. As he began to move, the immense multitude 
gave nine cheers. The military was supposed to exceed one 
thousand, under the command of General Jolmson. We can- 
not detail the order of the military procession, nor could we do 
justice to their merits. It was difficult for the military to make 
its way through tlie immense crowd ; every window was 
crowded with ladies, waving their white handkerchiefs to the 
General. As he passed the north line of the State-House, the 
procession wheeled towards State-street, and having reached 
the front of the State-House, the General with his escort alight- 
ed and was conducted within the railing, where was an assem- 
blage of children of alimit piiiiit hundred; the missns all dressed 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 



409 



in white, wearing badges with the motto, " jYous vous aimons 
Lafayette." A gold medal was presented him by one of the 
children, which was enclosed in a paper containing these lines: — 

Welcome thou to freedom's clime, 
Glorious Hero I Chief sublime ! 
Garlands bright for thee are wreath'd, 
Vows of filial ardour breath'd, 
Veteran's cheeks with tears are wet, 
'^ JVous vous aimons Lafayette." 

Monmouth's field is rich with bloom, 
Where thy warriors found their tomb, 
York-Town's heights resound no more, 
Victor's shout our cannon roar, 
Yet our hearts record their debt, 
" We do love you Lafayette." 

Brandy wine, whose current roU'd 
Proud with blood of heroes bold. 
That our country's debt shall tell, 
That our gratitude shall swell. 
Infant breasts thy wounds regret, 
" We do love you Lafayette." 

Sires, who sleep in glory's bed, 
Sires, whose blood for us was shed. 
Taught us, when our knee we bend. 
With the prayer thy name to blend ; 
Shall we e'er such charge forget ? 
No ! — •' JVous vous aimons Lafayette." 

When our blooming cheeks shall fade, 
Pale with time, or sorrow's shade. 
When our clustering tresses fair, 
Frosts of wintry age shall wear, 
E'en till memory's sun be set, 
" We shall love you Lafayette." 

The General was tlien conducted into the Senate Chamber, 
which was tastefully decorated with various ever-greens, where 
the Governor addressed the General, as follows : — ^ 

" Dear General — ^I rejoice in this opportunity of renewing 
to you my salutations in this ancient capital of Connecticut, 
where a virtuous and enlightened people, have, during nearly 
two centuries, enjoyed republican institutions, which were 
devised by themselves, and which have been administered by 
agents, amiually designated by their voluntary suffrages. The 
principles which you have advocated in council and defended 
in the field, have been here triumphantly established, and by 
the favour of Heaven, we hope to transmit them, unimpaired, to 
Our latest posterity. 



410 THK TOUR or 

" These principles are now diffused on every side, from llie 
ocean to the high plains of the Missouri ; and from the lakes to 
the gulf of Mexico. Over this great region, our sons and our 
daughters, parents of future millions, are rapidly extending 
science, religion, Industry, and all those arts which perpetuate 
and embellish powerful communities. — Literature and com- 
merce augment our strength and resources. We are united 
with elevated spirits from every country, who have come here 
to enjoy all that freedom of opinion and of action, with which 
our own minds are imbued. You can proceed to no spot where 
you will not be met by Patriots, who have aided your exer- 
tions in both hemispheres, or by their admiring relations, and 
in every class you will find an interesting proportion of French- 
men, including numbers of the descendants of those early emi- 
grants, who imbibed the liberal and gallant spirit of your 
Fourth Henry. jEvery class of citizens will instantly recognise 
in you an illustrious benefactor of the. United States, andoX, 
mankind, and they will unite in spontaneous JJeuedictions, with 
ardent invocations to the Supreme Being, that your life may 
be prosperous, with a happy transition to a glorious immor- 
tality." 

The following is in substance the verbal reply of General 
Lafayette : — 

" Sir — I feel very happy in viewing such resources of 
strength in New-England ; which resources should be cherish- 
ed with union, as there is such a powerful opposition abroad to 
your free principles. I am delighted with the manifestations 
of feeling shown towards me ; — Pleased with the moral habits 
and character of the people of the State, exhibiting in action a 
pure Republic. I am also highly gratified with the fine ap- 
pearance of your Military." 

The ladies were introduced to the General, and taken by 
the hand in the most affectionate manner; but the want of time 
would not permit the introduction of a large concourse who 
crowded at the doors for admission. From this interesting 
ceremony, the General proceeded to review the troops, taking 
his station upon a platform under the elegant arch, erected at 
the west front of the State-House. The General surveyed tlie 
troops, apparently with the attentive eye of an officer long ac- 
customed to command. He discovered much satisfaction at 
their elegant appearance, and was heard to say, particularly of 
the Governor's Foot Guards, commanded by Major Olmsted 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 411 

that it was equal in discipline and appearance to any company 
he had ever seen. A company of old revolutionary officers 
and soldiers consisting of about eighty, and commanded by 
Judge Hillyer, passed in review near the platform, and each of 
them shook hands with the General. It is impossible to refuse 
tliese veterans a share in the honours of the day. There was 
a rush from every quarter to witness this scene — many of these 
had been wounded — some with one eye — and the health of all, 
more or less inlpaired in the services of their country. No ! 
Soldiers of the revolution, your country will never forget that 
to you, under the guidance of Providence, and led on by Wash- 
ington and Lafayette, they owe the blessings of liberty and in- 
dependence. Several old men were introduced to the General 
in the course of the day, whom he seemed, from their respect- 
able deportment, to recognise as fellow-soldiers. One instance 
was noticed in particular, where the General obsei'ved, "1 
think. Sir, you belonged to the revolutionary corps." — " Yes, 
Sir," was the answer. From the review of the troops, the 
General was conducted to his barouche, and again passed down 
Main-street to the Hotel, and from thence was escorted on foot, 
to the mansion of Daniel Wadsworth, Esq. Here a committee 
of gentlemen presented him with the sash worn by him at the 
battle of Brandywine, which was used to bind up the wound 
he received, and afterwards presented by him to General 
Swift, of Cornwall. He thanked the gendemen who present- 
ed it for their attention. After spreading and observing it criti- 
cally, with a cheerful smile, he returned it to the committee. 
The General expected to have gone through Wethersfield, 
(where preparations had been made to receive him in a hand- 
some manner, and under an elegant arch,) on his way to Mid- 
dletown ; but his engagements to be in New- York, and his 
extreme fatigue, would not allow of his complying with this 
arrangement. The steam-boat had now been waiting for three 
hours beyond its stated time. It became necessary to hurry 
his departure. Having taken leave of the gentlemen and 
ladies present, he was attended by some of the Committee of 
Arrangements to the steam-boat, which left here about 4 
o'clock, P. M. amidst the salutes of cannon, and the shouts of 
thousands of gratified and grateful spectators. 

The General and his suite arrived at Middletown, Upper 
Houses, about 6 o'clock. — When the Boat first appeared, a 
salute of 13 guns was fired. — At the landing place, he was re- 



412 THE TOUR OF 

ceived by a deputation, consisting of thirteen distinguished 
citizens of Middletown, with the first IMarshal ; and escorted 
by a squadron of cavalry, commanded by Colonel R. Wilcox, 
proceeded to the bridge which crosses the northern line of the 
city. — He was here received by the corps of Artillery, Rifle- 
men, and Light Infantry, under the command of Colonel Wal- 
ter Boothe, of the 10th Regiment of Infantry, who joined in 
escorting him to the large and elegant building occupied by 
Mr. Charles Francis, where preparations had been made for 
giving him an elegant dinner. The windows and tops of 
houses were thronged with females, who were constantly wav- 
ing their handkerchiefs, as expressive of their feelings at seeing 
liim. On his arrival at the house, he was addressed by the 
Mayor, to which he made an appropriate reply. After which 
the Mayor presented him to the several members of the Com- 
mon Council, gentlemen of the Clergy, and the veterans of the 
Revolution. He was then persuaded to take a seat in the 
Barouche, and was escorted through the principal streets in the 
city ; the houses were brilliantly illuminated, and added much 
to the magnificence of the scene. On his arrival at the Boat, 
he was cheered by the multitude who had followed him. At 
7 o'clock he again embarked on the beautiful Connecticut, and 
though the evening was lowering, all the villages on the river 
were illuminated, bands of music were playing, and cannon 
firing. Mr. Ellsworth, one of the liberal proprietors of the 
Boat, had also provided a band which answered the salutes 
from the shore. Before reaching Saybrook, the weather clear- 
ed, the moon burst forth in its calm and serene splendour, to 
witness the enthusiasm of the ladies of that and the neighbour- 
ing towns, who, though it was late at night, were drawn up, 
dressed in white, on a platform, and music, cannon, and bril- 
liant illuminations, were prepared to honour the Guest of the 
Nation. He then tranquilly and safely descended the Sound. 



CHAPTSR ZI. 

PROCEEDINGS IN NE\V-YORK ON THE GENERAl's RETURN FROM 
HIS EASTERN VISIT HIS JOURNEY UP THE HUDSON RIVER. 

General Lafayette returjied from his Eastern tour, and land- 
ed in New-York, from on board of the Steam-Boat Oliver 
Ellsworth, September ;'>. about 1 o'clock, P. M. A national 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 413 

salute was fired from the Franklin 74, at tlie Navy Yard, as 
he passed. The citizens along the shores and wharves of East 
River, for two miles, kept up a continued acclamation for the 
whole distance. The Oliver Ellsworth was decorated with 
flags, and had on board a fine band of music. He was re- 
ceived at the Fulton-street wharf by the Committee of the 
Corporation, and conducted to his lodgings at the City Hotel. 
The streets were filled with people, whose anxiety to see him 
was unabated. 

Thq^annivgjsafy of the^hirth^day-nfJ^fayptfRj fhp. 6th Sep- 
tember, vVhen he attained his 67th year, having been selected 
by the Cincinnati veterans, to give him a dinner, he was es- 
corted, at the appointed hour, to Washington Hal^, by the 
Lafayette Guards. The room was splendidly and tastefully 
decorated : over the head of the General was sprung a trium- 
phal arch of laurels and ever-greens, in the centre of which 
appeared a large American eagle, with a scroll in its beak 
bearing the words " September 6th, 1757," (the day and year 
in which he was born.) On its right, a scroll bearing, " Bran- 
dyvvine, 11th September, 1777 ;" on its left, " York-Town, 19th 
October, 1781." In the rear of the General's chair was plant- 
ed the grand standard of the Society, entwined with the national 
colour of thirteen stripes. On the right was a shield bearing a 
rising sun ; on the left, a shield with the State Arms. In the 
centre of the room there was a splendid star, studded with 
others of less magnitude. From this star two broad pendants 
from the Franklin 74, were crossed and carried to the four 
corners of the room. At the lower end of the room was a 
most exquisite transparency, executed by Childs, representing 
the Goddess of Liberty, with an eagle holding a wreath of lau- 
rels. In her left hand was a scroll with the word " welcome." 
On its right was a column, on which was placed forty muskets, 
forty pistols, and forty swords ; on its left a similar one ; be- 
neath it a shield with thirteen American stripes, and thirteen 
stars supported by two six-pounders, as likewise a coat of mail 
of steel, such as were worn by Napoleon's cuirassiers ; and on 
the right and left ten field drums. Around the room were 
tastefully displayed 60 banners, bearing the names of distin- 
guished officers of the revolution, who had fallen in battle, 
together with the regimental standards of the corps of artillery, 
and a number of trophies of our navy, which were handsomely 
tendered by Captain Ro2:ers, and Lieutenant Goldsborough. 



414 THE TOUR pi* .'.,': 

Colonel Varick, the President of the Society, presided at the 
table, assisted by General Clarkson, Colonel Fish, General S. 
Van Rensselaer, Colonel Troup, and several other distinguished 
officers. 

On Tuesday, at 1 1 o'clock. General Lafayette, accompanied 
by the Mayor, the Committee, and several other members of 
the Corporation, visited Columbia College. He was introduc- 
ed into the College by Colonel Fish, Chairman of the board of 
Trustees, and received in the library by the President and 
faculty. President Harris then delivered a very appropriate 
address ; to which the General made a very pertinent reply. 

On Wednesday, at 1 o'clock, the General embarked on 
board the Chancellor Livingston, to visit the fortifications of 
the harbour, and was received as he entered, by the West 
Point Band, sent down for the occasion, playing a fiine military 
piece composed by their leader, Willis. Among the guests, 
were the members of the Cincinnati, the Officers of the Navy, 
the Corporation, and the General Officers of the Militia. 
Owing to the rain, the party did not land at Governor's Island, 
but a salute was fired from the Castle, as the Chancellor passed. 
On nearing the fortress at the Narrows, that bears the name of 
our Guest, the sun burst forth for awhile, and as the boat ap- 
proached, another pealing salute from the heavy cannon there 
mounted, awoke ihe echos of the neighbouring heights, and 
told that HE was come. The General was escorted on shore 
by Colonels Maccrea and Bankhead, and received at tlie por- 
tal by Major Gates, commanding the fortress, who conducted 
him to the square, where the garrison, consisting of only a com- 
pany of United States artillerists, saluted him. The whole 
party were then conducted around the fort, and no little admi- 
ration was expressed, at its massivq and almost impregnable 
walls, its firm and deep set arches, and apparent power, both 
for offensive and defensive war. A sumptuous table was 
spread, loaded with cold dishes, fruits, and every variety of 
delicacy, and tastefully ornamented. Over head and around 
it, was a continued drapery of flags, the standards of the United 
States and of France being intertwined, and forming an arch 
over the seat assigned to Lafayette. Between the colours shone 
forth die brightly burnished muskets of the soldiers, widi their 
other accoutrements ; and on the table itself were smaller 
silken flags, bearing the inscriptions of the memorable names 
and deeds of the revolution. One in particular, in front of 



UENEKAL LAFAYETTE. 415 

Lafayette, bore on it, " Brandywine," " Monmouth," and 
"York-Town." 

The associations of this entertainment were most delight- 
ful. It seemed as if the men of two ages had met to do ho- 
nour to one whose name shall live through all time. At the 
head of the table, where Colonel Maccrea presided, sat La- 
fayette, and his old associates of the Cincinnati. At the foot, 
Colonel Bankhead, with George W. Lafayette, and the offi- 
cers of the army, most of them young men. The interval 
was occupied by the guests generally. The soldiers of other 
days, and the soldiers of this, together with those who owe 
to the one the possession, and to the other the preservation of 
their independence, all united in homage to the friend of 
Washington, the companion of Hamilton, the pure and vu'tu- 
ous Lafayette. 

On Thursday the Fire Department mustered to the utmost 
of their strength, and paraded in the park, where the General, 
(after returning from the Oratorio given by the Choral Socie- 
ty in St. Paul's Church,) viewed their engines, and the other 
apparatus belonging to the dauntless guardians of the city. 

All the Fire Engines in the city, amounting to 44, with 
hook and ladder companies, and two engines from Brooklyn, 
were arranged in a line around the park, and all the Firemen 
stood a litde in advance, holding their drag ropes. After 
passing round the line, the General returned to the hall, and 
made his appearance on the piazza, where he remained in 
company with Thomas Franklin, Chief Engineer, and many 
ladies and gentlemen, to witness the exhibition. 

In the centre of the Park, the ladders of the company were 
erected in the form of a Pyramid, on the top of which was 
placed a miniature house, filled with combustibles. The 
Engines having all approximated the centre, to within a suit- 
able distance, and having been charged with water, at a sig- 
nal the house was fired, and forty-six powerful water spouts 
were all directed at the object in an instant. The spectacle 
for the moment was beautiful beyond description. Such was 
the skill of the engineers that every spout seemed to strike the 
common centre, and a mighty fountain in the form of a colos- 
sal column, or cone, was thus, as if by enchantment, in the 
twinkling of an eye, beheld rushing up and descending like a 
shower of liquid silver. When the sun shone out the fountain 
sparkled all over like a palace of ice, or a- magnificent dome 



416 THE TOUR OF 

of crystal ; and the wind now and then blew upon the spray 
and carried off a cloud of vapour : the arch of a rainbow ap- 
peared above, with all its brilliant colours. The engines ap- 
peared to great advantage ; they were all in the finest order. 

On Friday, in pursuance of an invitation from the Trustees 
of the Free Schools of New- York, the General visited some 
of the Schools, and afterwards reviewed the whole collected 
for that purpose in the Park. 

A large class of the scholars in the female school recited the 
following lines : — 

Welcome Hero, to the West, 
To the land thy sword hath blest ! 
To the country of the Free, 
Welcome, Friend of Liberty ! 

Grateful millions guard thy fame, 
Age and youth revere thy name, 
Beatity twines the wreath for thee, 
Glorious Son of Liberty ! 

■ ,"' Years shall speak a nation's love, 

!- Wheresoe'er tliy footsteps move, 

' By the choral paean met — 

Welcome, welcome, Lafayette ! 

At one o'clock, the General, by particular invitation, visit- 
ed the African Free School, which embraces 7 or 800 scholars ; 
about 450 were present on the occasion. Here it was an- 
nounced to him that under the Presidency of the Honourable 
John Jay, in 1788, he was elected an Honorary member of 
this Society, which the Marquis well recollected. 

The General then retired to his lodgings for a few moments, 
until the children of all the schools could be assembled in the 
Park ; he then returned and reviewed the whole, to the num- 
ber of about 5000, arranged by their teachers in regular order, 
and surrounded by at least 5000 spectators. The scene was 
truly interesting, and afforded a peculiar gratification to the 
General, who well knew that the schools of America were the 
nurseries of freedom, and the basis of American liberty. 

The General again returned to his quarters, where he had 
scarcely arrived, before the 9th Regiment of New- York Ar- 
tillery, under Colonel Alexander M. Muir, appeared before the 
Hotel, in fine order, and full panoply, to escort him to the seat 
of his old comrade, Colonel Nicholas Fish, who, forty years 
ago, mounted the breach with him at York-Tov\Ti, and with 
whom he had engaged to {\\\w. On dcscendine; to the steps, 



(iLN'EKAL LAFAVKTTi:. 417 

agreeably to previous arrangements, Colonel Mair dismounted 
and advanced, and in behalfof himself and the officers of his regi- 
ment, presented the General with an elegant sword, of great 
beauty, and of finished workmanship. In performing this very 
pleasing office, Colonel IMuir delivered the following address : — 

" General — The officers of the 9th Regiment New-York 
State Artillery, anxious to manifest, in common with their fel- 
low-citizens, their esteem for you, as the champion of their 
country — the associate and friend of Washington, have deputed 
me to present to you this sword ; die belt and mounting of 
which, beiug exclusively of the manufacture of this city. 

" It is unnecessary to repeat the many signal services which 
you have rendered to this country ; it does not comport with 
the character of soldiers to multiply words or expressions 
— it is sufficient for them to know that you were always to be 
found in the front rank of those who shed their blood, and ex- 
pended their treasure, in the glorious cause of liberty, during 
that eventful time which " tried men's souls." These services 
are not forgotten by a grateful posterity — they are engraven 
on die hearts of a free people, by whom you will ever be re- 
membered as the illustrious benefactor of these United States. 

" May your declining days be as happy as your youthful and 
maturer ones have been useful and glorious, and your name 
ever be associated with liberty, freedom, and benevolence. 

" Permit me, General, to add my jiersonal wishes for your 
health and happiness, and to assure you that I shall consider 
the circumstance of having been chosen as the organ of the 
officers whom I have the honour to command, to present this 
sword, as one of die most agreeable and interesting of my life.'* 

The General kindly accepted the sword, and in doing so, 
made the following reply : — 

" With the highest pleasure and gratitude, I receive this most 
valuable present, from a distinguished corps of citizen-soldiers, 
every one of whom knows that swords have been given to man 
to defend liberty where it exists, to conquer it when it has been 
invaded by crowned and privileged usurpers. . 

" Accept, dear Colonel, and let all die officers and soldiers 
of your corps accept, my most affectionate thanks." 

The following is a copy of the inscription on the Sword : — 

" Presented to Major-General Lafayette, by Colonel Alex- 
ander M. Muir, in behalf of the Officers of the Ninth Regi- 
ment New- York State Artillery, 1 0th September, 1824, as a 

53 



418 THE TOLK Oi' 

small token of the esteem in which he is held by them for his 
private worth, and distinguished services during the war which 
gave independence to the United States." 

The belt is of exquisite workmanship, richly embroidered 
with gold. On it are inscribed, in silver embroidery, the figures 
'76, and the letters L. F., thus—" L, '76. F." The plate of 
the belt is large, and sufficiently elegant to correspond. — The 
ground-work of the plate is occupied with appropriate military 
devices, and around these are the four following inscriptions : — 

" The Marquis De Lafayette, Born in France, 6th Septem- 
ber, 1757." 

" Joined the American Army of the Revolution as a volun- 
teer, and was wounded at the battle of Brandy wine, 11th Sep- 
temlDcr, 1777." 

" Commanded the army in Virginia during the campaign of 
1781, and was at the attack at York-Town, 19th October, 1781." 

" Revisits the United States of America on an invitation 
from Congress, and landed at New- York, August 16th, 1824." 

After reviewing the Regiment, and receiving the marching 
salute, the General ascended his carriage, and was escorted to 
the seat of his old friend and associate, as before mentioned, 
where he dined in company with a select party. 

General Lafayette, on Tuesday evening, very affectionately 
took leave of Captain Allyn, at his room. City Hotel, and at 
the same time presented him with a superb writing desk, (made 
by N. Smith Prentiss, of this city,) replete with every thing 
necessary for a gentleman's toilet, bearing this inscription, 
" General Lafayette to his excellent friend Captain Allyn, 
August 15th, 1824." — He also sent kind remembrances to 
such of the officers and crew of the Cadmus as remained on 
board, presenting to the chief mate, Mr. Daniel Chadwick, a 
beautiful case of mathematical instruments moimted in silver. 
The Cadmus sailed on Wednesday, for Havre. 

After two postponements on account of bad weather, the ar- 
rangements and decorations for the Ball, in honour of Lafayette, 
at Castle Garden, were finally completed, and it took place on 
Tuesday evening. The weather during tlie day and the even- 
ing was very fine, and afforded the guests unexpected security 
and pleasure. 

The company commenced entering the Garden about half 
past six, and closed about ten o'clock, consisting of about six 
thousand ladies and gentlemen. The arrangements \^ithout, 



GENEKAIi LAFAVKTTK. 419 

were such as to secure perfect safety and order in entering the 
Castle, and to prevent detention. 

Immediately in front of the gate which forms the^ first en- 
trance to the Garden, was erected a pyramid of the height of 
seventy-five feet, brilliantly illuminated, and surmounted by a 
double triangle, likewise illuminated, presenting the appearance 
of a star encircling the letter F. The Bridge leading to the 
Castle, which stands off from the Battery, into the bay, 250 
feet, was this evening an immense covered way, carpeted the 
entire distance, hung with numerous lamps, and decorated with 
ever-greens. Through this magnificent entrance, the company 
found their way into the interior of the Garden. 

The Castle, which is a circle, and covers a surface of about 
600 feet, was enclosed with an awning at an altitude of sevent}'- 
five feet, the dome of which was supported in the centre by a 
column dressed with pale blue and white, and inscribed with 
the names of men immortalized with that of Lafayette, in the 
cause of freedom. This column was encircled with an im- 
mense cut glass chandelier, composed of thirteen separate ones, 
representing the thirteen original states ; while it formed at its 
summit, the centre, whence hung the flags, signals, and standards 
of various nations, looped and festooned with much good taste, 
making a covering for the company, and a splendid military 
and naval dress for the coarser canopy above. 

This object, which was the first that met the eye, and formed 
at the base but a slight obstruction, had a very imposing ap- 
pearance, and produced a fine effect. The whole seemed to 
operate like a charm upon the visiter, as he entered, who, with 
elevated and sparkling eyes, and with looks of enraptured ad- 
miration, came forward from the massy and low-browed 
entrance, with increased grace in his step, and airy lightness in 
his feelings. Every one seemed to feel at home, and to appro- 
priate the scene and its pleasures to his individual enjoyment 
and use. 

The roof was supported by thirteen transparent columns, 
capped with a circle of light, and based with the armoreal insigna 
of the several states, under a shield of the Union, to denote 
their dependence on the same, and richly flanked with a falling 
drapery. Between the columns were to be seen the names of 
the original states, in gilded letters, encircled by laurel wreaths, 
and suspended between American ensigns, and a profusion of 
" striped bunting.' 



420 THE TOUR OF 

The General made his appearance about 10 o'clock. Im- 
mediately the dance and the song was at an end. The militar}' 
band struck up a military air, and Lafayette was conducted 
through a column of ladies and gentlemen, to a splendid pavilion, 
immediately opposite to the great entrance. Not a word was 
spoken of gratulation — so profound and respectful, and intel- 
lectual, was the interest which his presence excited ; nothing 
but a subdued and universal clap broke the general silence, and 
that but for a moment. 

The interior of the pavilion, which was composed of white 
cambric, festooned, and otherwise varied with sky blue, and 
surmounted with an American Eagle, over the letter F, was 
richly furnished. Among other interesting objects, we noticed 
a bust of Hamilton, placed upon a Corinthian pillar, and illumi- 
nated with a beautiful lamp. 

But the most interesting of all the exhibitions were those 
presented in front of the pavilion, and seen from it, immediately 
over the entrance to the Garden. A triumphal arch of about 
ninety feet space, adorned with laurel, oak, and festoons of flags, 
he. were seen, based upon pillars of cannon fifteen feet high. 
A bust of Washington, supported by a golden eagle, was placed 
over the arch, as the presiding deity. Within the arch was a 
painting, nearly 25 feet square, of a fine colossal figure, repre- 
senting the Genius of our country, rising in her native majesty 
and strength, supported by the American Eagle, and exhibiting 
a scroll inscribed to Fayette, with the words — " Honoured be 
the faithful patriot." 

Soon after the General entered, the painting just alluded to, 
was slowly raised, which exhibited to the audience a beautiful 
transparency, representing La Grange, the mansion of Lafay- 
ette. The effect was as complete as the view was unexpected 
and imposing. Another subdued clap of admiration followed 
this tasteful, and appropriate, and highly interesting display. 

In pursuance of the arrangements made for that purpose. 
General Lafayette, his son, and suite, together with a select 
party of ladies and gentlemen, repaired on board of the steam- 
boat James Kent, directly on retiring from the Grand Fete of 
Tuesday evening, and proceeded up the Hudson river, to visit 
Albany, and the intermediate towns upon the river. The party 
embarked a few minutes after 2 o'clock, Wednesday morning j 
among the guests were the members of the Cincinnati, with 
their President. Colonel Varick ; His Honour the Recorder, 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 421 

and several of the Corporation ; Governor Johnson, of Louisi- 
ana ; Mrs. Lewis of Virginia ; Colonel Alexander Hamilton, 
and his mother, (widow of the late General Hamilton ;) Gene- 
ral Morton, Colonel Piatt, and a number of others. 

The boat made very good progress until she arrived off 
Tirry-Town, where a very dense fog came on ; but such was 
the anxiety of General Lafayette to reach West Point at the 
appointed time, (10 o'clock,) that Commodore Wiswall deter- 
mined to push slowly on. It was impossible for the pilot to , 
see five rods ahead. The result was, that at about 7 o'clock 
the boat ran aground upon what is called the Oyster Bank. 
Here she was obliged to remain for several hours — to the great 
disappointment of those on board, and also of the thousands 
who had collected at West Point, to witness his reception, and 
the tens of thousands at the villages above, which he was ex- 
pected to pass before dark. As soon as it cleared away, so 
that the shores were discernible, it was found that every height 
and cliff were covered with people, anxious to do their utmost 
in honouring the Guest of the nation. At Stony Point, in par- 
ticular, there was a large collection of people, a flag was hoisted, 
and a salute fired from a field piece stationed there for that 
purpose. One man, more eager than the rest, clambered 
down the rocks with the agility of a mountain goat, armed with 
a large musket, which a loud explosion gave us to understand 
was heavily charged. The boat was near in shore, and as the 
smoke cleared away, he waved his hand and exclaimed, "There, 
General, I give you the best I can !" 

The population at West Point, including the officers, profess- 
ors, cadets, the artisans, and their families, he. he. ordinarily 
amount to about one thousand persons. But from day-light 
yesterday morning, until ten o'clock, the ladies and gentlemen 
from the country adjacent, continued to flock in sloops and 
other craft, in great numbers. The suspense from the hours 
of 9 till 12 was very anxious ; but at about fifteen minutes after 
12, the welcome signal of his approach was given ; and there 
was instantly more bustle and confusion than there has been 
before witnessed on the Point since the army of the revolution ; 
the clangour of arms, the thrilling notes of the bugle, and the 
spirit-stirring drum, imparted life and animation to this wild and 
magnificent region. — The lofty bank of the Hudson was lined 
with spectators ; and the Cadets were in line, as if they had 
been summoned from their barracks bv the wand of a magician. 



422 THh: TouK oi' 

The James Kent, gorgeously decorated with flags, came 
proudly on, cutting away the foaming current, as though she 
dared Neptune and all his host to strife ; and came majestical- 
ly along side of the dock at half past 12. The General was 
here received by Colonel Thayer, the commander of the post, 
accompanied by Major-Generals Brown and Scott, with their 
respective suites, together with the officers and professors upor. 
the station, under a salute of twenty-one guns from a detach- 
ment of artillery, posted upon the bluff, directly north of tte 
old barracks. A landeau was in readiness to receiv^; the 
General as he stepped ashore, in which he ascended the nill to 
the plain, followed by a long procession, consisting of the Cin- 
cinnati, the officers of the station, gentlemen from New- York, 
and from the river towns above, delegates from the towns of 
Newburgh, Poughkeepsie, Clermont, Hudson, and Albany, Sec. 
&IC. He was received on the plain by the corps of Cadets, 
whom he reviewed ; and afterwards received the marching 
salute in front of the marquee erected for him, and witnessed 
several evolutions, which evinced the perfection of discipline. 
From the parade ground the General repaired for a few mo- 
ments to the quarters of Generals Brown and Scott, at Mr. 
Cozzen's, where the ladies assembled in a spacious room ad- 
joining the library, and partook of refreshments prepared for 
the occasion. At half past two, the General was conducted by 
Colonel Thayer to the splendid library of the institution, where 
the corps of Cadets were individually presented to him by 
Major Worth ; the gentlemen upon the Point who had not 
previously been introduced, were then presented ; after which 
the ladies were severally introduced. 

From the library, the General repaired to the Mess-room 
of the Cadets, elegantly fitted up for the occasion, and sat 
down to a dinner, which, whether we regard the quantity, quali- 
ty, the variety, or the style in which it was served up, we may 
at once pronounce a sumptuous one. — Including the Officers, 
Cadets, the Cincinnati, Corporation from New-York, and 
guests, more than four hundred persons sat down at the table. 
Colonel Thayer presided, assisted by Major Worth. General 
Lafayette and General Scott were seated on the right of the 
President, and General Brown and Colonel Varick on his left. 
At a cross table at the head, were seated the members of the 
Cincinnati, and at another similar table, at the other end of 
the hall, were the members of the Corporation of New- York. 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 423 

with Mr. George Washington Lafayette, on the right of the 
Vice-President. The room was tastefully and elegantly de- 
corated. Festoons of ever-green were suspended from pillar 
to pillar, in every direction through the spacious hall. Back 
of the President's chair hung the star-spangled banner. Over 
the chair was a large spread, and elegantly wrought eagle, 
with the words " September, 1757," issuing from the stream- 
er in his beak, and " York-Town" grasped in his claws, A 
crown of laurel, interwoven with roses, was suspended over the 
General's head. Over the window on his right, was the name 
of Washington, wrought in leaves of ever-green, and on the 
left that of Lafayette. At the other end of the hall hung a 
full-length portrait of " the Father of his Country ;" and upon 
the right wall, in the centre, that of Jefferson, and on the left, 
President Adams. 

At 6 o'clock, the company rose from the table, and the 
General and his friends re-embarked on board of the James 
Kent, and proceeded to Newburgh. 

Through the whole distance of the Highlands, the hardy 
mountaineers who inhabit many of the glens manifested then- 
respect by showing themselves ever and anon, and discharging 
their muskets from the crags and cliffs which in some places 
seem to frown over the heads of the passing traveller, as the 
steam-boat ploughs her way close at the base of the mountains. 
In passing Cold-Spring, a salute was fired from a piece of ar- 
tillery stationed near the shore for that purpose. A salute was 
also fired from New-Windsor, (near the old Encampment of 
the Revolutionary Army.) Unfortunately, however, the delay 
occasioned by the snorning accident, had detained the party so 
long that the shades of night began now to close in, and on the 
arrival of the steam-boat at Newburgh the twilight had so far 
advanced as to render objects indistinct at a very short distance. 
A corps of infantry were drawn up in handsome array upon 
the wharf, to receive the General, by whom he was escorted 
to the Orange Hotel, where he was received by the corpora- 
tion of the village, by the President of which he was addressed. 

The General made a brief and pertinent reply to this ad- 
dress ; after which he entered an open carriage and was es- 
corted through the principal streets of the village, which were 
thronged with people, who were delighted with a glimpse of 
the General's face, caught even by the aid of a flickering lamp ; 
over the streets, at short distances, arches had been erected 



424 THE TOUR OF 

which were tastefully festooned with ever-greens and dowers, 
and on several of them were suspended appropriate inscrip- 
tions. On one of these arches was the following inscription: — 
"Thrice welcome Lafayette Columbia's bright Occidental 
Star." Another arch was formed by the planting of two well 
grown forest trees, and bending their tops together. The in- 
scription suspended from this lofty arch was too high for the 
rays of our feeble lamp. The inscription upon another arch 
was, " Lafayette and Liberty — ^Welcome Illustrious Chief." 
But the arch which was far the most beautiful, was erected by 
the ladies ; it extended from the houses on each side of the 
street, and formed one grand and two smaller arches ; these 
were so richly and beautifully ornamented with festoons and 
flowers, that they would have answered well for decorations to 
the portals of the temple of Flora herself ; the inscription here 
was " Welcome our hero, Lafayette." Having returned to 
the Orange Hotel, an address was presented to the General by 
Johannis Miller, Esq. President of the Orange county Agri- 
cultural Society, in behalf of said Society. 

The General was then ushered into the grand saloon of the 
Orange Hotel, attended by the Committee of Arrangements, 
consisting of Messrs. Rose, Ruggles, Smith, Fisk, and others, 
together with the Trustees of the village. The ladies and 
gentlemen of the village, and several hundreds fi'om the ad- 
joining towns, had then the honour of a presentation, and were 
received with the accustomed affability and kindness of our 
illustrious guest, until, completely exhausted with the fatigues 
of the day, and of the preceding night, he was compelled to 
seek a few hours repose. The hall of audience was orna- 
mented with much taste, and it was in this room that the sup- 
per-table was bountifully spread, at 11 o'clock, when the 
General was sufficiently refreshed to take a seat at the table. 
On the right of the chair were the words — " BrandyAvine, 11th 
September, 1777," encircled by a wreath of ever-greens, and 
on the left, the words "York-Town, 19tli October, 1781," 
formed in the same manner. At the other end of the hall was 
a portrait of Washington, and the whole apartment was splen- 
didly decorated with festoons and flowers of every variety of 
the season, and brilliantly illuminated by the light of several 
chandeliers, reflected from a large number of elegant mirrors. 

The arrangements at this place were extensive and unusual- 
ly imposing, but the time of the General's arrival was so late, 



GENERAL^LAFAYKTTi;. 425 

that much derangement was the consequence. His arrival hav- 
ing been expected the day before, the people had been assem- 
bling for nearly two days ; and it was computed that, indepen- 
dently of the troops on duty, there were at least 10,000 
persons in the village. The public houses were all illuminated ; 
and a splendid ball was given at Crawford's Hotel. 

At 12 o'clock, the steam-boat Chancellor Livingston which 
had also been detained on her passage up by the fog, made 
her appearance from Albany, when the most of the guests 
from New- York, both ladies and gentlemen; returned to the 
city. Among the former were the two Miss Wrights, who 
have lately arrived from France, and whose " View of the 
American Society and Manners," has acquired some consi- 
derable notoriety. The General and his suite came on boarti 
of the Kent at about the same hour, and retired to rest, when 
the boat made sail, aiid before day-light anchored off Pough- 
keepsie. 

Our National Guest has no where received a more flatter- 
ing reception, than at the beautiful, ancient, and patriotic vil- 
lage of Poughkeepsie ; nor has more promptitude, vigour, and 
taste, been displayed in the arrangements at any other place. 
At sun-rise all hands were " piped" on deck, and a more im- 
posing spectacle has rarely been presented. The high blufis 
below the landing place, were covered with troops, and thou- 
sands of citizens were crowding the wharves, showing them- 
selves in large groups from the neighbouring heights, and win- 
dows of the houses standing within view of the river. All ages 
and sexes seemed to press anxiously forward to show their 
gratitude to their welcome visiter. At half past 6 o'clock, the 
boat got under way, and took a turn upon the river, while a 
salute was fired by a corps of artillery stationed upon one of 
the heights. When the General appeared upon deck, the 
welkin rang with the cheers from the crowds upon the shore, 
which were returned from the boat. The boat was then 
drawn up to the wharf, where a company of horse, many of 
the officers of General Brush's division on horseback, all 
mounted on elegant horses, and in complete uniform, together 
with several uniform companies, were drawn up in great or- 
der under the direction of Major-General Brush, assisted by 
Colonel Cunningham. General Lafayette was then conducted 
by Thomas T. Oakley, General James Tallmadge, Judge 
Emott, and Philo Ru2:2;lcs, Esq. to a barouche, with four 

54 



426 THE TOUR OF 

beautiful white horses, in which the General took his seat, at- 
tended by Colonel Huger, of South Carolina, General Van 
Courtland, General Fish, and General Lewis. A barouche, 
also drawn by four white horses, was then drawn up, which 
was occupied by the son of General Lafayette, and gentlemen 
attending them. After being conducted to the pleasant and 
extensive piazza in front of Mr. Forbus' house, and after being 
introduced to the clergy and gentlemen attending, he was cor- 
dially addressed by Colonel Henry A. Livingston. 

To this address, the General returned a neat and feeling 
reply. 

A procession was then formed under the direction of the 
committee, to the Poughkeepsie hotel, at about 8 o'clock, wherQ^ 
the General sat down to a sumptuous breakfast, handsomely 
served up by Mr. Myer. At the head of the table hung the 
well-known and venerated portrait of Washington, and at the 
opposite end, the Grand Banner of St. Tammany. On each 
side of the hall, at suitable distances, were suspended banners, 
with the arms, name, and motto, of each state in the union. 
Over the centre of the table, hung a canopy formed of festoons 
of flowers and ever-greens, of various kinds, belted by a riband, 
on which was inscribed the names of the thirteen original States. 
Over the folding doors, were the well-known words of " Wel- 
come Lafayette" made with great accuracy, wholly of pink- 
coloured blossoms of china-astor, and on one of the walls, 
were inscribed the names of Washington and Lafayette, wrought 
in laurel leaves, and encircled in garlands of flowers. Directly 
in front of the General's seat, stood a representation of the 
temple of Fame ; and the whole suite of apartments were de- 
corated in a style to correspond with the above. 

Immediately after breakfast, and with a praise-worthy prompt- 
ness, the escort was formed, and the General was attended to 
the boat with every possible mark of respect ; the troops again 
repaired to the heights ; and on hauling into the stream, ano- 
ther salute was fired from the artillery, and afterwards several 
vollies of musketry were fired, with a precision which the Gene- 
ral was pleased to say resembled very much the firing of regular 
troops. The shores were again lined with people, who cheered 
in all directions. 

Passing rapidly up the river, preparations were made for 
landing with Governor Lewis, at the dock, near his elegant 
country seat. The boat arrived at about 1 2 o'clock, and on 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 427 

coming along side, carriages were found in readiness to convey 
the party to the mansion whicli stood at' some distance from 
the road, which wound through a beautiful copse to the house. 
On alighting, the General and suite were introduced to the 
family, and were shortly after introduced into an apartment, 
where an elegant collation was provided : peaches, grapes, and 
melons, were mingled with more substantial fare, and every 
variety of wine sparkled on the table. After remaining an 
hour and a half, the General took leave of this hospitable family, 
and embarked, in order to continue his voyage to Albany. 

Soon afterwards, in passing the seat of James Thompson, Esq. 
a boat came off with a large basket of peaches, of enormous size, 
and excellent flavour, and with several elegant bouquets of 
flowers. 

In passing the landing at Kingston, (four miles from the vil- 
lage,) a large collection were found to have assembled ; a sa- 
lute was fired from the shore, and hearty cheers given and 
returned. At this place, Colonel Henry Livingston, who com- 
manded a regiment under Lafayette in Rhode Island, and at 
Valley Forge, came on board. The General had just been 
inquiring of Colonel Fish, what had become of his old friend 
Henry Livingston, and received him most affectionately. 

The steam-boat arrived at Clermont at about 4 o'clock in the 
afternoon, and came to anchor off the elegant mansion of 
Robert L. Livingston, Esq. formerly the seat of the late Chan- 
cellor Livingston. Before tlie boat arrived at the dock, it was 
discovered that the groves were literally alive with people, of 
all ages and sexes, equally anxious with the hospitable proprie- 
tor, to manifest their respect for their expected guest, and greet 
his landing. But while the rocks and glens, and even trees to 
their top-most branches, presented this animated spectacle, the 
General, his suite, and friends, were still more surprised by the 
appearance upon the lawn of this romantic and secluded place, 
of a regiment of well-disciplined troops, drawn up to receive 
him. — ^There were several vessels at anchor in the stream, one 
of which (a large sloop) was decorated with flags, and a streamer 
floated from her mast, with the motto of "Welcome Lafayette," 
in large letters. On landing, a salute was fired from this vessel, 
which was unexpectedly returned from a field piece planted in 
a thick copse of trees upon the shore. The General then as- 
cended the shore, and was conducted by Generals Lewis and 
Fish, to the mansion of Mr, Livingston, where he was received 



428 THE TOLR Uf 

by that genllunian with the utmost cointosy and cordiality. — 
After the friends of Mr. Livingston, assembled on the occasion, 
had been presented, the General reviewed the troops upon the 
lawn, by whom he was honoured with a feu de joie. At this 
moment, a long procession of the ancient and honourable fra- 
ternity of Freemasons, consisting of a Chapter of Royal Aj-ch 
Masons, and the members of " Widow's Son Lodge," of Red- 
hook, emerged from a grove, and on being presented to the 
General, an appropriate address was delivered by Palmer Cook, 
Esq. W. M. of the aforementioned lodge. 

After a brief and pertinent reply, the General accepted of an 
invitation to visit the seat of Edward P. Livingston, Esq. which 
is situated but a short distance to the north, upon the same ele- 
vated and beautiful plain. His reception was equally cordial 
and flattering as before. An excellent cold collation, together 
with refreshments of every suitable kiad, were served up. 
And while the company were partaking of these, the steam- 
boat Richmond, Captain William Wiswall, came gayly down, 
and anchored along side of the James Kent, having on board 
Major-General Jacob Rutsen Van Rensselaer, and suite, Bri- 
gadier-General Fleming, and suite, the Mayor of Hudson, 
(Rufus Reed, Esq.) Dr. Tallman, late Mayor, and Colonel 
Strong, as delegates from the city of Hudson, together with 
the Hudson Band, and two elegant uniform companies, under 
the command of Colonel Edwards. This addition to the com- 
pany already on the ground, repaired immediately to the seat 
of Mr. E. P. Livingston, from whence, after refreshments were 
served out to them by IMr. L. and Commodore Wiswall in 
person, General Lafayette was escorted back to the seat of his 
liberal entertainer. As night came on, the troops and crowd 
from the country dispersed, and the Hudson troops were taken 
on board of the steam-boat James Kent, where refreshments 
were ordered, and the forward deck and cabin assigned to them 
for the night. In the evening the whole of Mr. L's. splendid 
suite of apartments were brilliantly lighted up, and an elegant 
ball was given in honour of the General's company. The as- 
semblage was very numerous, and a brilliant circle of ladies, 
arrayed in all the charm of health, beauty, and rich and elegant 
dresses, were contributing to the festivity and joy of the occa- 
sion, by " tripping the light fantastic toe," or by conversation 
sparkled with wit, or adorned by the graces of polished man- 
ners and education. Among the guests this evening, in addition 



"^ 



GENEKAL LAFAYETTE. 429 

to those already named, were the Honourable Edward Living- 
ston, of New-Orleans, the Honourable Walter Patterson, Cap- 
tain Ridgeley, of the Navy, the Honourable Peter R. Living- 
ston, A. Vanderpool, Esq. of Kinderhook, Mrs. Montgomery, 
(widow of the gallant General who fell at Quebec,) and many 
others whose names are not recollected. During the evening 
a sumptuous supper was served up in a style of magnificence 
rarely, if ever equalled in this country. The room selected for 
this part of the fete, was an extensive Greenhouse, or Orangery, 
and the effect was indescribably fine. The tables had been 
made and fitted for this occasion, and were spread beneath a 
large grove of Orange and Lemon trees, with bending branches 
of fruit, and many other species of exotic shrubs and plants. 
Flora also, had profusely scattered her blossoms ; and the 
whole scene seemed to partake of enchantment. The beholder 
stood gazing, as if bound by the wizard spell of the Magician. 
The night was dark and rainy ; but this contributed to the 
general effect o( the fete, inasmuch as the darkness heightened 
the effect of the thousand lamps by which the surrounding 
groves were illuminated. There was also a fine exhibition of 
fireworks, which had been prepared and brought from New- 
York for the occasion. It having been found inconvenient to 
provide suppers for so many on board of the boat, the whole 
detachment of troops were invited by Mr. L. to supper in the 
Green house, which invitation was accepted. At 10 o'clock, 
General Lafayette retired from this scene of gayety and beauty, 
and at two the hall was closed, and the company separated, 
not only highly gratified with the entertainment, but with the 
manner in which it was got up and imparted to his guests, by 
Mr. L. whose style of living closely approximates that of the 
real English gentleman, and whose wealth is equalled by his 
kindness and liberality. 

At 9 o'clock on Friday, the General again embarked, and 
proceeded on his way, and before 10 o'clock, was in sight of 
Catskill. The long wharf which projects half a mile into the 
river, was occupied by two battalions of troops. — The high- 
lands which nearly exclude the whole village from a view of 
the river, were covered with people, and on the arrival of the 
James Kent at the dock, a salute of 13 guns was fired from 
the artillery on one of the heights. The arrangements of 
General Lafayette rendered it absolutely necessary that he 
should be at Albanv on that dav to dinner, and hence it was 



430 THE TOUH 01' 

Utterly impossible for him to make any stay at Catskili, although 
he was earnestly pressed to dine by a very respectable delega- 
tion. The General, to gratify the feehngs of thousands who 
were assembled at the landing to hail his arrival and bid him 
welcome, consented to land and pass through the principal 
streets, in an elegant carriage, accompanied by the Committee 
of Arrangements, and escorted by the military, and a large 
assemblage of citizens in procession. In front of Crowell's 
Hotel the procession halted, and the General was received by 
the acclamations of a large concourse of people, eager to see, 
and embrace the Nation's Guest. Amongst the company 
was a body of the heroes of the revolution, whose furrowed 
features, silver locks, and tottering steps, bespoke age and hard 
service. But at the sight of their old General, they rushed 
forward to meet the quick-extended grasp of their old Com- 
mander. Among the number, was an old servant who was 
with Lafayette when he was wounded at the battle of Brandy- 
wine. This was a touching scene, few eyes were dry, either 
among the actors or spectators ; but the General's time was 
so short, that he was constrained to leave the further honours 
that awaited him in this place, bid adieu to the citizens, and 
embark for Hudson. 

The boat arrived at Hudson a few minutes before 2 o'clock ; 
but the same reason that prevented a longer stay a Catskili, 
also rendered it impossible, consistent with his arrangements, 
to make any considerable stay here. On landing, the crowd 
was so great that it was almost impossible to proceed, not- 
withstanding the active exertions of Colonel Darling, the 
Marshal of the day, assisted by the military. The General 
was conducted to an elegant barouche, drawn by four beauti- 
ful black horses, attended by four grooms in a special livery. 
After the General, followed a number of other carriages, with 
his retinue, and the different delegates from the river towns. 
The procession passed up Ferry to Warren-street, where an 
arch was erected, which for its size and elegance of construc- 
tion, exceeded any that had been previously seen on the tour. 
The whole street, which is more than a mile in length, was 
choked with the crowd. And the windows, as at Catskili, 
were filled with ladies, whose snow-white hands and handker- 
chiefs, were gracefully waved in the air, while the crowd in the 
streets were cheering, and the General, with his usual conde- 
scension, was bowing, or endeavouring to bow, to every indivi- 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 431 

dual in the multitude. About half-way up the street, stood 
another arch, elegantly adorned ; and at the head of the 
town was a third, superior to all, on the top of which stood a 
colossal figure of the Genius of Liberty, well proportioned and 
painted, holding in her hand the American standard, which be- 
ing of unusual size, floated in the air with an imposing effect. 
To each of the arches of which we have spoken, were suspended 
appropriate inscriptions. On arriving at the square, at the 
head of Warren-street, the procession wheeled and returned to 
the Court-house, when the troops and citizens opened to the 
right and left, and all that could, passed through, and up to the 
Court-room. All the seats without the bar were filled with 
the " Daughters of Columbia," forming a large and interesting 
group of well-dressed and beautiful females. The Court- 
room was superbly decorated — displaying more labour, taste, 
and skill, than any decorations of the kind that were seen on 
the route. At the entrance of the bar, on either side, stood 
a beautiful Corinthian pillar, with caps and cornices of the com- 
posite order of architecture, elegantly wrought and ornamented 
with leaves and gold. On the top of each of these pillars was 
placed a globe, and the whole were united at the top by a 
chain of flowers of every hue, festooned with laurel and roses. 
The General was conducted to this rich and beautiful portal, 
where His Honour the Mayor delivered an interesting address. 

General Lafayette briefly replied to the address, after which 
the members of the Common Council were severally presented 
to him. A most interesting and affecting spectacle was then 
presented ; sixty-eight veterans of the revolution, who had col- 
lected from the different parts of the country, formed a part of 
the procession, and were next presented ; and it so happened 
that several of them were officers, and many of them soldiers 
who had served with Lafayette. Notwithstanding that they 
were admonished that the greatest haste was necessary, yet 
every one had something to say ; and when they grasped his 
friendly hand, each seemed reluctant to release it. One of 
them came up with a sword in his hand, which, as he passed, 
he remarked was " given to him by the Marquis," at such a 
place, " in Rhode Island." Another, with a tear glistening in 
his eye, as he shook the hand of the General, observed — " You, 
Sir, gave me the first guinea I ever had in my life — I shall 
never forget that." 

The officers of the militia were next presented, and after 



432 THE TOUR OF 

them, the ladies. But time would not allow ot" delay ; and 
many thousands who were eagerly pressing forward, were dis- 
appointed in not being introduced to the man whom they had 
assembled to honour. In passing down the street, however, on 
aiTiving opposite Allen's hotel, where arrangements had been 
made for the dinner, the solicitations were so warm and earnest, 
that the General was constrained to alight and take a glass of 
wine in the long room. And here, again, was presented a 
specimen of Hudson taste, which deserves every commendation. 
The hall was decorated in a style of elegance, that would com- 
pare only with the Court-house. The General stopped but 
for a moment, when he re-entered his carriage, and returned 
to the boat, followed by the shouts and blessings of thousands. 
On leaving the dock, three cheers were given by the multitude, 
and returned from the boat — after which a salute was fired from 
the hill near the Observatory. In passing up the river, the 
docks at the villages of Coxsackie, New-Baltimore, and Coey- 
mans, were crowded with people, who cheered the General 
repeatedly, and with as much enthusiasm as though they had 
had a nearer view. At Castleton, a large collection of people 
had assembled, and a salute was fired from a six pounder. 

In consequence of the unavoidable delays on the way, a 
freshet in the river, the contrary winds and tide, the James 
Kent did not arrive at her moorings at the Overslaugh, until five 
o'clock (on Friday) — three hours later than was originally con- 
templated. The consequence was, that the arrangements of 
the committee for the city of Albany were deranged ; the com- 
mittee themselves, consisting of Alderman Townsend and 
Humphrey, Colonel Bacon, and others, (in addition to the 
New- York delegation, which had accompanied the General 
from New- York,) who had been waiting to receive their guest, 
were much fatigued ; and the troops, who had been on duty 
since 7 o'clock in the morning, without refreshment, were 
nearly exhausted. On landing, the General was conducted to 
a supea'b landeau, drawn by four white horses, and carriages 
were in readiness for the gentlemen accompanying him. The 
procession was quickly formed, and moved rapidly on to Green- 
bush, escorted by a detachment of horse, commanded by 
Major General Solomon Van Rensselaer, Marshal of the day, 
assisted by Colonel Cooper. On arriving at the cenU'e of the 
village, the General was conducted to a large marquee, erected 
beneath an arch, simi'.'ir to those heretofore described, and 



GENEKAL, LAFAVETTK. 433 

bearing appropriate inscriptions, where lie was received by the 
members of the Corporation, who welcomed him with an ap- 
propriate address ; after which, refreshments were served, and 
the procession moved on. Night was now rapidly setting in ; 
and the delay at the Ferry, for the want of a sufficient number 
of boats, rendered it qmte dark when the General landed in 
Albany. It was, howevei-, easy to discern, that the prepara- 
tions for the event had been extensive, and that a prodigious 
assemblage of people were yet impatiently awaiting his approach. 
He was welcomed, in behalf of the citizens, by Stephen Lush, 
Esq. one of the oldest and most respectable of the inhabitants 
of Albany, who rode in the carriage with him. A large de- 
tachment of troops were on duty, and a salute was fired by a 
corps of artillery, stationed near the Ferry-stairs, which was 
answered by the old Clinton field-piece, which has long stood 
upon the hill back of Albany, to send its thunder forth, echoing 
among the distant hills, on all patriotic occasions. On entering 
the city, the procession passed under an arch, inscribed " The 
Hero is Welcome." At the junction of Church and South 
Market-streets, stood another arch, large and beautiful, inscrib- 
ed, " We remember thy deeds — We revere thy worth — We 
love thy virtues." At the foot of Beaver-street, near the Mu- 
seum, stood a third stupendous arch, displaying by its festoons 
and the disposition and variety of flowers interwoven with ever- 
greens, much beauty in itself, and taste in the ladies, whose 
delicate fingers had formed and ornamented it. — On entering 
the foot of State-street, on the site of the Old Dutch Church, 
stood a temple, richly ornamented, around the pillars of whicli 
the ivy was gracefully entwined. On the top of the temple, 
stood a large living eagle, who proudly flapped his wings as the 
chieftain passed. Many of the houses were illuminated, among 
which were the capitol, and the whole block of Gregory's 
buildings, including the houses of Chancellor Sanford, Mr. 
Gregory, Isaac Hamilton, Esq. and the extensive establishment 
of Mr. Cruttenden. On the front of the latter was a transpa- 
rency, executed by Inman, of this city, representing the recep- 
tion of General Lafayette by the Genius of Liberty, who prof- 
fers him a scroll ; and in the back ground was seen the ship 
Cadmus, in which he made his passage from France. The 
elevated situation of these lofty buildings, contributed to give 
the illumination a splendid and elegant appearance ; and the 
effect was greatly heightened by the bright light cast upon the 



434 THE TOUK OF 

military, the cavalcade, and the immense concourse of people, 
who otherwise would only have been felt instead of seen. On 
alighting at the capitol, the General was conducted to the Se- 
nate Chamber, where he was received by the Honourable 
Ambrose Spencer, Mayor of the city, and the members of the 
Corporation. He was addressed by the Mayor in the follow- 
ing words : — 

" Sir — ^Your visit to this country is received with universal 
and heartfelt joy. Your claims upon the gratitude and the 
friendship of this Nation, arise from your heroic devotion to its 
freedom, and your uniform assertion to the rights of man. The 
progress of time has attested the purity of your character, and 
the lustre of your heroism ; and the whole course of your life 
has evinced those exalted virtues, which were first displayed 
in favour of the independence and liberty of America. 

" In the hour of difficulty and peril, when America, without 
allies, without credit, with an enfeebled government, and with 
scanty means of resistance, confiding in the justice of her cause 
and the protection of Heaven, was combating for her liberties, 
against a nation, powerful in resources and all the materials for 
war, when our prospects of success were by many considered 
more tlian doubtful, if not desperate, you devoted all your 
energies and all your means to our defence ; and after witness- 
ing our triumphant success, your life has been consecrated to 
the vindication of the liberties of the old world. 

" When Franklin, the wisest man of the age, pronounced 
you the most distinguished person he ever knew, when Wash- 
ington, the illustrious hero of the new world, honoured you 
with friendship the most sincere, and with confidence the most 
unlimited, they evinced their just discernment of character, and 
foresaw the further display of faculties and virtues which would 
identify your name with liberty, and demonstrate your well 
founded claims to the gratitude, the love, and the admiration 
of mankind. 

" The few surviving statesmen and soldiers of the Revolu- 
tion have gathered around you as a friend and a brother — the 
generation that has risen up since your departure, cherish the 
same feelings, and those that will appear in the successive 
future ages, will hail you as the benefactor of America, and the 
hero of liberty. In every heart you have a friend, and your 
eulogium is pronounced by every tongue. In behalf of the in- 
habitiints of this ancient city, I welcome you most cordially, 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 435 

and tender to you their civic honours. I salute you as an 
illustrious benefactor of our country ; and I supplicate the 
blessings of Heaven on a life sanctified in the sublime cause of 
heroic virtue and disinterested benevolence." 

To this address, which we beg leave to pronounce forcible 
and elegant, the General returned the following reply : — 

" Sir — The enjoyments of my visit to the beautiful and hap- 
py shores of the North River, cannot but be highly enhanced 
by the affectionate reception, the civic testimonies of esteem, 
which are conferred upon me in this city, and by the manner 
in which you are pleased to express sentiments so gratifying to 
my heart. Not half a century has elapsed since this place, 
ancient, but small, was my head quarters, on the frontiers of 
an extensive wilderness, since as commander in the northern 
department, I had to receive the oath of renunciation to a royal 
distant government, of allegiance to the more legitimate sove- 
reignty of the people of the United States. Now, Sir, Albany 
has become a considerable city ; is the central seat of the au- 
thorities of the state of New- York. Those wildernesses rank 
among the most populous, tlie best cultivated parts of the union. 
This rising generation, has, in two glorious wars, and still more 
so in her admirable institutions, asserted an indisputable supe- 
riority over the proud pretenders to a control upon her. 

" To these happy recollections. Sir, you have the goodness 
to add remembrances of my early admission among the sons 
and soldiers of America, of friendships the most honourable and 
dear to me. I will not attempt to express the feelings that 
crowd on my mind, and shall only beg you, Sir, and the gen- 
tlemen of the Corporation, to accept the tribute of my respect- 
ful and devoted gratitude, for the city of Albany and her 
worthy magistrates." 

The members of the Common Council, and those friends 
who had been specially invited, having been introduced, the 
General was then conducted to the Governor's apartment, 
where he was received by his Excellency Governor Yates, who 
addressed him as follows : — 

" General — A million and a half of freemen congratulate you 
on your arrival in this state ; and as their chief magistrate, and 
in their behalf, I bid you welcome. 

" On your appearance, the recollection of former days recur 
to us afresh, but it is impossible to give our ideas utterance. 

"Those among us whose immediate ancestors or connexions 



436 Tljt; TOLK OK 

were actively engaged in that arduous and mighty eftbrt I;.: 
nation's freedom^ — in which you so essentially contributed, ex- 
perience emotions the most exquisite, on this happy and highly 
interesting occasion ; and if this be so with regard to them, who 
can describe the sensations of the few surviving revolutionary 
soldiers and patriots, your companions in arms. 

"It is impossible for language to depict the feelings of a 
grateful nation, emancipated from thraldom by your aid — hap- 
py in the full enjoyment of their rights and privileges, and 
llourishing in arts, on beholding their distinguished benefactor, 
(who is so jusdy ranked among the most prominent of their de- 
liverers) again revisiting their shores, after an absence of two- 
score years. 

" It is. General, one of tlie most pleasant circumstances of 
my life, that I am favoured with the honour of personally ad- 
dressing you ; and may the blessing of the Almighty always 
attend you, and may your course through life be as happy as it 
has been glorious." 

This affectionate address was answered by General Lafay- 
ette, as follows : — 

" Sir — The kind welcome you are pleased to express in 
behalf of the free and happy citizens of the State of New- York, 
is an additional claim to my gratitude towards them, and a par- 
ticular obligation conferred upon me by their respected chief 
jnagistrate. 

" The inexpressible feelings, which the presence of my revo- 
lutionary companions, and the affection and esteem of the suc- 
ceeding generations could not fail to excite, mingle in my heart 
with the delight I enjoy from the sight of the wonderful im- 
provements, superior to the most sanguine anticipations, which, 
in the space of forty years, have so clearly evinced the power 
of enlightened patriotism under republican institutions. 

•'' I beg your Excellency to accept my affectionate and re- 
spectful acknowledgments." 

The suite of the Governor having been presented to the 
General, together with his Excellency's particular friends, he 
was conducted from the capitol to the residence of Matthew 
Gregory, Esq. (who mounted the ramparts with Lafayette and 
Hamilton at York-Town,) where many of the most distinguished 
gentlemen of the city and state, were assembled to pay him 
their respects. Among them were Governor Clinton, the 
Chancelloi-, and .Judges of the Supreme Court, the Lieut. 



GENERAL LAIAYKTTE. 437 

Governor, and principal officers of the state, 6ic. Sic. After 
remaining here for the space of an hour, the General was at- 
tended to the lodgings prepared for him at Cruttenden's, and 
where a rich and bountiful supper was spread for the Corpora- 
tion and its guests. The Mayor presided at this entertainment, 
assisted by Alderman Van Ingen ; and a number of toasts were 
drank by way of concluding the banquet. 

Over head, in front of the chair of the president, was the 
painted inscription — " Lafayette the Guest of the Nation," and 
on the reverse — " York-Town, October 19th, 1781." Among 
the festoons were the words wrought in flowers — " Flora's 
Tribute." On the right of the chair hung the portrait of La- 
fayette, painted in 1783 ; and on the left that of the late Robert 
Morris. Farther down the room stood a marble pedestal, sur- 
mounted with the bust of Washington, crowned with a wreath 
of laurel; and an American Bald Eagle hovered over the door. 
After remaining a short time in the drawing room, the General, 
accompanied by the distinguished gentlemen before mentioned, 
(excepting Governor Clinton, who did not attend, in conse- 
quence of the recent death of his son,) repaired to the Assem- 
bly Chamber of the Capitol, which was echoing to the music 
and the dance of a splendid ball, given in honour of the " Na- 
tion's Guest." The room was handsomely, though not pro- 
fusely, decorated with wreaths and festoons, and the pillars 
entwined with ivy. The Speaker's Chair was entirely shrouded 
or enveloped in shrubbery of ever-greens and flowers, and in 
front, in the centre of a large and beautiful garland, was the 
following inscription : — " Welcome brave Lafayette ; we hail 
thee as the Nation's Guest and early friend." From the staff 
projecting forward from the gallery, floated a broad streamer, 
bearing the hero's name. Over the Speaker's chair, the well 
known full length portrait of Washington preserved its place, 
encircled by a wreath of laurel ; and the walls were hung 
round with banners, inscribed with the names of the following 
Generals of the Revolution, viz. Schuyler, Lincoln, Hamilton, 
Lingan, Wayne, Warren, Montgomery, Greene, Knox, Woos- 
ter. Heath, Gates, Clinton, M'Dougall, and Gansevoort. Ge- 
neral Lafayette stayed but about an hour amidst tliis scene of 
pleasure and gayety, during which time the ladies and gentle- 
men moved in procession before him, and were severally 
honoured with an introduction. At 1 o'clock, he retired to 



438 THE TOUR OP 

obtain that repose which the incessant fatigues of the week 
must have rendered not only desirable, but highly necessary. 

On Saturday morning, the General rose in excellent health 
and spirits, at an early hour ; and as the arrangements of the 
day required that no time should be lost, the calls of gentlemen 
commenced at a most unfashionable time. Among other gen- 
tlemen, Mr. Clinton called, pursuant to a request from the 
New- York Literary and Philosophical Society, of which he is 
President, to present the General with a diploma of member- 
ship. And in performing this duty, he addressed the General 
in an appropriate manner. 

In replying to this forcible and elegant address of our distin- 
guished fellow-citizen, General Lafayette remarked in substance, 
"that the honour conferred on him was rendered the more 
gratifying to his feelings by the reflection, that the evidence of 
it was presented to him by the highly respected son and nephew 
of two of his departed brothers in arms, and warm and personal 
friends and companions." 

At 8 o'clock the military were again under arms, and ap- 
peared before the General's lodgings, to escort him through a 
number of the principal streets, and thence to one of the ele- 
gant canal packet-boats, in which the Corporation had invited 
him to take a trip to Troy, and thence by land to Lansingburg, 
Waterford, and home by way of the Cohoose Falls, where the 
boat was in readiness to receive him. The procession moved 
down State, South, Pearl, and Lydius-streets, to South Market- 
street, and thence up the second lock, near the seat of the 
Patroon. The day was uncommonly fine, and the military 
appeared to excellent advantage. — The crowd was very great j 
the whole mass of citizens being in motion, and multitudes 
having flocked in from the surrounding country. It was 12 
o'clock before the General, together with the Corporation and 
their guests, embarked on board of the " Schenectady Packet," 
which was gayly dressed for the occasion. The embarkation 
was announced by a salute from cannon stationed on the hill, 
near the seat of Elias Kane, Esq. The Albany Band occupied 
a boat which preceded the packet, and a boat which followed 
was occupied by the officers of the Albany Military Association 
and their friends. Next followed two or three large packet 
boats filled with spectators, and the banks, the whole distance, 
were lined with people. Among the guests of the Corporation 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 439 

were Governor Yates, Mr. Clinton, the Chancellor and Judges, 
General Lewis, Colonel Fish, Colonel Huger, the Hon. Peter 
R. Livingston, and many others. The boats were briskly pro- 
pelled onward by six horses each, selected for the occasion. 
In passing the Half-way-House, a large basket of delicious 
grapes, in rich clusters, and adorned with flowers, was sent on 
board as a present to the General, from the Shakers at Nes- 
kayuna. At the United States garrison, at Gibbonsville, the 
General stopped, and was received within the walls of the arse- 
nal by a salute of 21 guns. Having returned to the packet, 
the party moved on to the lateral canal, leading to the river, 
through which they descended and entered the Hudson by one 
of the "sprouts" which form the Delta of the Mohawk. At 
this place eight row-boats, all dressed with flags, the broadest 
of which bore the popular name of " Clinton," were in readi- 
ness to tow the packet across the river, which service was ex- 
peditiously performed. 

The General landed at Troy on a platform, erected and 
carpeted for the occasion, and a salute was fired. He was 
received by a deputation of the citizens, consisting of Messrs. 
Tibbitts, Russell, Mallory, Dickinson, Cushman, Paine, and 
others, by the former of whom he was presented with a hand- 
some address. 

The crowd was here very great, but they were orderly ; 
and the military parade was rendered more formidable by the 
addition of two companies of uniform troops from Albany. A 
procession was here formed, which was escorted through the 
principal streets ; the General riding, as usual, in an open car- 
riage, attended by Colonel Lane, to the " Troy House," kept 
by Mr. Titus. On arriving here, he was received by the 
Common Council of the city, and an address was delivered to 
him by Mr. Recorder Clowes. 

The concourse of people was immensely great ; and such 
was the anxiety to see the illustrious visiter, that he went out 
upon the piazza, and gratified the multitude as long as his time 
would allow. The piazza was handsomely adorned with fes- 
toons of ever-greens and roses, and in the centre was perched 
a large living eagle, with a miniature of Lafayette upon his 
neck. While standing here, a deputation from the Troy Royal 
Arch Chapter of Masons were introduced to him. They came 
with a request that he would favour the Chapter, then in session 
in the tabernacle above, with the honour of a visit. The request 



440 THE TOUR OF 

was immediately assented to ; and" he was received, together 
with his son, with masonic honours. 

The officers and members having been severally presented, 
the General retired to the dining-hall below, where a cold col- 
lation was handsomely and bountifully provided. While par- 
taking of a litde refreshment, the following note was presented 
to him, and the invitation promptly and cheerfully accepted : — 

" To General Lafayette. — The Ladies of Troy, having as- 
sembled at the Female Seminary, have selected from their 
number a committee to request of General Lafayette that he 
would grant them an opportunity of beholding in his person, 
their own, and their country's generous and beloved benefactor." 

The General, prompt in his movements, together with those 
gentlemen of the party who chose, repaired to the Seminary ; 
and here a scene of deep and delightful interest transpired. 
On arriving at the gate of the institution, an arbour of ever- 
greens, which, like Jonah's gourd, sprang up in a night, was 
found to extend the whole distance to the building, which is 
about 200 feet. At the entrance of this arbour was the follow- 
ing inscription : — " America commands her Daughters to wel- 
come their Deliverer, Lafayette." At this place the General 
was met by the Committee of Arrangements, and Mrs. Colonel 
Pawling pronounced a pleasing address — which, as usual, re- 
ceived a brief and pertinent reply. 

On entering the institution, the General was presented to 
Mrs. Willard, the principal, and afterwards the pupils were 
presented by her, for which purpose they were arranged in two 
lines along the hall leading directly from the arbour. — Two of 
the pupils, daughters of the Governors of Vermont and Michi- 
gan, then advanced and presented the following lines, entitled 
" Lafayette's Welcome," and written for the occasion by the 
principal : — 

And art thou, then, dear Hero, come ? 
And do our eyes behold tlie man, 

Who nerved his arm and bared his breast 
For us, ere yet our hfe be;^an ? 

For us and for our native land, 
Thy youthful valour dared the war ; 

And now, in winter of thine age, 
Thou'st come, and loft thy lov'd ones far. 
Then deep and dear thy welcome be ; 
Nor think thy daughters far from th6e : 
Columbia'!* daughters, lo ! wc bend, 
\nd chiim In ml! fhoc Father, Friend ! 



liENKKAL LAFAYETTE. '441 

But wast our country's rights alone 
Impeird Fayette to Freedom's van ? 

No ! 'twas the love of human kind — 
It was the sacred cause of man — 

It was benevolence sublime, 
Like that which sways the Eternal mind ■ 

And, benefactor of the vvorld, 
He shed his blood for all mankind ! 

Then deep and dear thy welcome be ; 
Nor think thy daughters far from thee ! 
Daughters of humankind, we bend. 
And claim to call thee Father, Friend ! 

These lines were afterwards, by particular request, sung with 
great sweetness and pathos, by Miss Eliza Smith, of Worces- 
ter, Massachusetts, in the choruses of which the young ladies 
generally joined, and the whole was executed with much effect. 
The General was much affected, and at the close of the sing- 
ing, with eyes suffused in tears, he said — " I cannot express 
what I feel on this occasion ; but will you, madam, present me 
with three copies of those lines, to be given by me, as from 
you, to my three daughters." — It is wholly unnecessary to add 
that the request was complied with. The General then retired, 
and was conducted by the Committee of Arrangements back, 
through the arbour, along the sides of which the pupils had 
formed themselves in close order, to the number of about 200. 
It was a most interesting spectacle, thrilling the soul with de- 
lightful anticipations. Female^ education was far too long 
neglected, even after the sombre clouds of the ignorance and 
prejudice of the dark ages had been dissipated. " The human 
mind," says Cicero, " without instruction, is like a field without 
culture." The visit of the General to Troy, short as it was, 
afforded him great satisfaction. He talked much about it, and 
frequently spoke of his visit to the Seminary, as one of the 
most interesting and delightful moments of his life. 

By this time the day was so far advanced that the visit to 
Lansingburgh, Waterford, and the Falls, was necessarily relin- 
quished, though with great reluctance, particularly on the part 
of General Lafayette, as he wished both to gratify the wishes 
of those villages, and to enjoy a farther opportunity of examin- 
ing that great work, from a short section of which he had that 
morning derived so much pleasure. It was, however, neces- 
sary to embark and return to Albany, which was accordingly 
done — the whole party partaking of an excellent dinner on 
bo^rd of the boat. 

56 



442 THE TOUR OF 

Oh landing at the head of the Basin, lie was escorted as 
before, but through different streets, back to his lodgings. In 
the evening he visited Governor Clinton, and afterwards his 
Excellency Governor Yates, whence he was escorted to the 
steam-boat, where he embarked on his return to New- York, at 
about 12 o'clock. General Muir was detached by the Govern- 
or, with Majors Henry and Webster, aids of Major General 
Stephen Van Rensselaer, to accompany General Lafayette to 
New- York as an escort. 

On Sunday morning, the General stopped at Red-Hook and 
visited Mrs. Montgomery, widow of General Montgomery, who 
fell in storming the city of Quebec, December 1775, where he 
met a numerous collection of friends, and partook of a sump- 
tuous dinner. About 2 o'clock, the General took an affection- 
ate leave of Mrs. Montgomery and guests, and retired on board 
of the steam-boat, on his way to New- York. At 7 o'clock the 
boat came to at Fishkill landing, and the General called on 
Mrs. Dewitt, grand-daughter of the former President Adams, 
where he was courteously as well as splendidly received, amidst 
a numerous collection of friends assembled to greet their coun- 
try's guest. To add to the enjoyments of this interview, the 
General had the pleasure of shaking cordially by the hand 
another of his brave Light Infantry, adding, "the Light Infantry 
were a brave corps, and under my immediate command." 
" Yes," returned the old soldier, " and you gave us our swords 
and plumes." The General made but a short stay, took leave 
of his friends, and returned to the boat under a salute of three 
hearty cheers. 

The boat arrived at Courtlandt-street wharf. New- York, at 
S o'clock in the morning, and at 5 the General returned to his 
lodgings, after a most delightful excursion. 

On Monday afternoon, in consequence of previous arrange- 
ments, General Lafayette partook of a dinner at Washington 
Hall, to which he had been invited by the Grand Lodge of this 
State. From 5 to 600 of the craft, decorated with their sacred 
symbols, were present. Language is inadequate to give a 
correct description of the sc^e. 

After the General's return to New-York, he received the 
following address, enclosing 150 dollars, which had been raised 
by a liberal contribution amongst the children of Catskill, after 
he left tfiat village. 



(iENERAL l.Al'AYETTE. 443 

"TAe Children of the village ofCatskillto General Lafayette.''^ 

" While the most distinguished civil honours of our country 
have justly been paid to the friend of Washington, and the cham- 
pion of liberty, we ardently pray, that our moral and religious 
privileges may be continued, promoted, and appreciated; and 
as we are aware that the enlightening, civilizing, and ameliorating 
influences of the Bible, are the strongest and most efficient 
means of maintaining the glorious advantages we enjoy : we, the 
children of the village of Catskill, solicit General Lafayette to 
permit us to constitute him a life Director of the American Bible 
Society ; presuming that you. Sir, will duly appreciate the mo- 
tives which have induced us to adopt this expression of our 
gratitude for services too essential to American freedom ever 
to be forgotten." 

The General was much pleased with (he attention, and re- 
turned his kind acknowledgments for the honour done him. 

Previous to the General's departure on Thursday morning, 
the Cincinnati Society, the Mayor, and the Honourable Cor- 
poration of the city and county, and a large collection of citizens, 
met, by appointment, in the audience chamber in the City Hotel, 
at 9 o'clock. Soon after they were assembled, the Nation's 
Guest entered the room, and after saluting round the semi-circle 
all his old companions in arms, and the Honourable Corpora- 
tion, and the citizens, he was addressed by Gurdon S. Mum- 
ford, Esq. as follows : — 

" General Lafayette — Sir, how inscrutible are the ways of 
Providence, and His works past finding out ! I hold in my hand 
a relic, nothing less than the Cane of the immortal Franklin ; 
this large gold-headed cane was bequeathed to our beloved 
Washington ; and by whom can this relic, now exhibited to you, 
be better transmitted to posterity, than through the putative son 
of Benjamin Franklin, for such I may be permitted to call you, 
fi'om the very affectionate manner in which he uniformly advo- 
cated your disinterestedness and devotedness to the prosperity 
of our beloved country. 

" The hand that held this cane, when an American agent in 
London, at the time the Stamp Act was passed, wrote to his 
intimate friend, Charles Thompson, Esq. of blessed memory, 
but now no more on earth, that the Sun of Liberty was set, 
and that we must in America " light up the candles of industry 
and economv." 



444 THK TOLR OF 

" The hand that held this cane was among the foremost in 
signing our Independence. 

" The hand that held this cane met Lord Howe, sent out to 
conciliate America. His Lordship expressed " the extreme pain 
he would suffer in heing obliged to distress those he so much 
regarded." " I feel thankful to your Lordship," replied Frank- 
lin, " for your regard. The Americans will show their gratitude, 
by endeavouring to lessen the pain you may feel on their account, 
in exerting their utmost abilities to take good care of themselv^es." 

" The hand that held this cane signed the definitive Treaty 
of Peace, which consummated our Independence. 

" You will recollect, Sir, that at threescore years and ten, 
Dr. Franklin embarked in a merchant vessel for France, disre- 
garding the risks he run, provided he was in the way of his 
duty, serving his country, and, providentially for these United 
States, he arrived safe in France. Suppose, for a moment, 
that he should have been captured on his passage to France, 
with a rebel commission in his pocket, what would have been 
the inevitable consequences ? Most assuredly the same line of 
conduct would have been dealt out to him as was so severely 
adhered to by the British government, in the case of another 
disinterested patriot, Henry Laurens, formerly President of 
Congress, taken on his passage to Europe, and immersed in the 
Tower of London during the remainder of the war. 

" With these impressions, permit me to deliver this relic into 
your hands for safe keeping, to serve as a memorial to future 
generations. 

" I wish you much health and happiness." 

To which the General replied : — 

" Sir — I receive this relic with infinite satisfaction, and shall 
transmit it as requested. You make a great sacrifice, and evince 
great disinterestedness." 

Immediately on the conclusion of this ceremony, the General 
left the Hotel, and was escorted by the troop of horse of the 
second and third regiments, the battalion of the eleventh, the 
battalion of the third doing duty with muskets, and the battalion 
of infantry of the second regiment, to the steam-boat James 
Kent, at the foot of Courtlandt-street. — He was also accompa- 
nied by the Cincinnati Society, and a number of distinguished 
.citizens. The boat left the wharf amidst the repeated cheers 
' of an immense multitude, assembled on the surrounding wharves, 
tD bid adieu to their much beloved guest. The General re- 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 445 

mained on deck (bowing with the utmost complacency,) until he 
could be no longer distinguished by the spectators from the sljore. 



CEIAPTSR ZZI. 

THE general's TOUR THROUGH THE MIDDLE STATES TO THE 
CITY OF WASHINGTON RECEPTION BY CONGRESS. 

On the arrival of General Lafayette upon the shore of New- 
Jersey, he was waited upon by General Dayton, Colonel Kin- 
ney, and Major Kean, of the suite of Governor Williamson, and 
conducted to Lyon's Hotel, where he was received by the 
Governor himself, and introduced to a number of distinguished 
citizens of New-Jersey. While here, a full basket of large 
and delicious peaches were presented to the General, from the 
extensive fruitery of Mr. Taphagan. The General was ac- 
companied to Jersey by the Mayor, Recorder, Members of the 
Common Council, the Society of Cincinnati, and several other 
gentlemen, all of whom were politely invited to visit and join in 
the festivities at Newark, and dine with the company at Eliza- 
bethtown. After remaining a few minutes, the General, with 
his Excellency Governor Williamson, entered a superb car- 
riage, drawn by four beautiful bay horses, and a cavalcade was 
formed, which proceeded leisurely towards Newark, escorted 
by a squadron of New-Jersey cavalry, and two companies 
which had been invited from New- York. Arrived' at Bergen, 
it was found that the inhabitants of that little town had assem- 
bled at the Inn, and were so anxious to pay their respects to 
the General, that he was constrained to alight for a moment. 
Here, unexpectedly, he was formally addressed by a delega- 
tion from the town, and presented with a superb cane made 
from an apple-tree under which Washington and Lafayette 
dined, when passing through that town, during the revolution, 
and which was blown down by the violent gale of the 3d of 
September, in 1S21. The cane is richly mounted with gold, 
and bears the following inscription : — " Lafayette," on the top, 
and round the head the words — " Shaded the hero and his 
friend Washington, in 1779 — Presented by the Corporation of 
Bergen, in 1824." 

As General Lafayette re-ascended his carriage and left this 
ancient village, he was heartily cheered. On approaching the 



446 THK TOUR Of 

Passaic bridge, in the vicinity of Newark, a salute was tired 
from the hill. Having ascended the hill and entered this 
charming town, it was found that if the militaiy display, and 
the number of people on the way, had not been so great as was 
anticipated, both were now far more imposing than one could 
have supposed. On the green, near Dr. Griffin's Church, 
were one or two regiments of troops drawn up in a line, in 
front of a regular encampment of tents, and the broad streets 
and commons were literally crowded with people. But as the 
procession passed through the town, it was found that the troops 
at first seen, formed but a small proportion of the whole. Three 
thousand infantry and five hundred horse were under arms, 
and the windows of every house were as full of spectators as 
the streets. The General was conducted around the extensive 
lawn south of the Episcopal Church, to the seat of Major 
Boudinot, where he was introduced to the Judges of the Unit- 
ed States District, and Superior State Courts, and to the prin- 
cipal officers of State, and the leading gentlemen of the village, 
and surrounding country. While here, a deputation from 
Morristown, his ancient head quarters, waited upon the Gene- 
ral, and through their Chairman, presented an appropriate ad- 
dress, in pursuance of a resolution passed at a meeting of the 
citizens of that town. 

The General replied that nothing would afford him greater 
satisfaction than to visit a town with which so many endearing 
associations were connected in his mind ; but that his arrange- 
ments were such, that a visit to Morristown now, were impos- 
sible ; on his return from the south, however, he should avail 
himself of some opportunity to pay the patriotic citizens a visit. 
After partaking of refreshments, a procession was formed 
consisting of the principal officers present, the Corporation of 
Newark, the Members of New-York Corporation present. 
Colonel Varick, General Morton, and other members of the 
Cincinnati of New- York, together with delegates and distin- 
guished citizens of New-Jersey, which proceeded to the south 
end of the green, now environed with troops, and entered be- 
tween the two columns. At the entrance were ranged in two 
lines, twenty-four male singers, who sang the following lines : — 

Hail ! the gfallant Chief, whose fame 
Is pure as Heaven's ethereal flame ! — 
' Who comes our peaceful fields to cheer, 

A Father often millions dear ! 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 447 

Oh ! strew the blooms of vale and grove — 
Bright as our tear — warm as our love ! 
The present and the past are met 
To bid us welcome Lafayette ! 

The General, followed by the procession, then passed up 
through the centre of the green until he came within a few 
yards of a magnificent bovver, where he was received by 
twenty-four females, ranged in the order as before, who sang 
the following lines : — 

We weave the wreath, we pour the wine. 
Where smiles like sparkling sun-beams shine ; 
And hail the thousands fondly met 
To greet the matchless Lafayette ! 

Unseen, around the flow'r-dress'd way, 
Shades of the dead in glory play ! 
While hearts beat high and eyes are wet, 
The winds of Heaven hail Lafayette ! 

He then passed between the lines, the path, as he approach- 
ed, being strewed with roses and other flowers, and passed 
through the portico into the splendid rural temple, which had 
been erected for his reception, where a feeling address was 
pronounced by Theodore Frelinghuysen, Esq. Attorney-Gene- 
ral of the State, in behalf of the town of Newark. The General 
made a very feeling reply. There were a great number of 
revolutionary soldiers present. One who was introduced to 
the General was more than 100 years old. An old lady also 
pressed forward, whose husband had served with Lafayette, 
and would not be restrained from shaking hands with the hero. 

The bower prepared for the reception of the General was 
splendid beyond description. The base of the temple covered 
an area of about 35 feet diameter, and was formed of thirteen 
arches, representing the thirteen original states, surmounted by 
a dome, representing the western hemisphere. The pillars 
which sustained the dome, were fifteen feet in height, and of 
due proportion. On either side, extending directly back, were 
colonnades of twelve arches each, intended as arbours for the 
ladies. But the front was the most imposing. The portico 
was lofty, and formed four grand triumphal arches, supporting 
what might be called a tower. On the top of this stood a large 
and finely wrought golden Eagle, with a crown of laurel in his 
beak, and on one side a cornucopias, and the olive branch and 
cap of liberty in his talons. In the centre of this portico was 
erected a platform, on which were two large chairs, and over 



448 THE TOUR OF 

that intended for the General, hung a canopy in the form of a 
cone, wreathed with flowers of bright and various hues. In 
front of the portico, beneath the capital of the pillar, was the 
name of Lafayette, in large letters wrought of white blossoms. 
Over the several arches forming the portico, were the following 
inscriptions : — On the West : " Now I am going to serve you." 
On the South : " For him whom a nation delights to honour.'* 
On the North: "We ne'er shall look upon his like again." 
On the East : " His laurels shall never fade." 

The cornices of the portico, within and without, were richly 
ornamented with flowers, wrought in the body of the work, so 
as to resemble festoons ; and the arches of the interior of the 
temple were also adorned with flowers. On each side of the 
portico, extending to tlie distance of one hundred and fifty feet, 
and running forward in a moderate angle, were colonnades of 
twelve arches each, representing the twenty-four states ; and, 
with the portico as a common centre, binding the whole, repre- 
senting the union of the states. These colonnades formed 
extensive and beautiful bowers, and were filled with ladies, who 
advanced in columns after the General was seated, and were 
introduced. The workmanship of the temple and arbours, 
which we have attempted to describe, was as neat as the design 
was beautiful and classical. Every thing was interwoven with 
the greatest skill and compacmess ; and by the aid of the ver- 
dant box, the artist was enabled to form cornices, capitals, and 
fret-work, with almost as much exactness as could be preserved 
in sculpturing marble. It was indeed a fairy palace ; and we 
can give no better idea of its appearance at a distance, than by 
referring to the foliage in Mr. Vandelyn's picture of the Palace 
and Garden of Versailles. For the design and execution of this 
work, the inhabitants of Newark are indebted to William 
Halsey, Esq. 

The General, in company with the Governor, and others, 
then proceeded to review the troops ; after which, he received 
a marching salute, and returned to the house of Major Boudi- 
not, where a sumptuous collation was spread, which was pre- 
pared by Mr. Morton, of the Newark Hotel. The repast was 
moistened with a choice glass of wine. Before rising from the 
table. Colonel Ward, Chairman of the Committee of Newark, 
proposed the following toast, whicii was drank with rapturous 
applause — " Our distinguished Guest, General Lafayette. — 
We thank France for her Son : May America not forget, and 



GENERAL LAFAyETTK. 449 

Europe feel to good purpose the influence of his bright ex- 
ample." 

This toast was responded by General Lafayette as follows : 
— The town ofJVewark. — And may her population, prosperity, 
and industry, increase in the same wonderful proportion I have 
been delighted to witness." 

The hour of four having arrived, the General retired, and 
proceeded to Elizabethtown, accompanied by the Governor 
and suite, a long cavalcade of officers and private gentlemen, 
and preceded by an escort. 

The General arrived at Elizabethtown on Thursday, a littie 
past 5 o'clock, and was received with the utmost enthusiasm. 
Two large triumphal arches with suitable ornaments and in- 
scriptions, were erected at conspicuous places and proper dis- 
tances across the principal street, through which the procession 
passed. On arriving at Rivers' Hotel, the General was receiv- 
ed in due form by the Corporation, and an appropriate address 
delivered by Caleb Halsted, jr. to which a brief but pertinent 
reply was returned. 

At 6 o'clock the party sat dovm to an excellent dinner given 
by the Corporation. The room in which it was served was 
ornamented for the occasion, and no where has more good 
feelmg been manifested than here. The Grand Lodge of 
New-Jersey had convened at Elizabethtown to pay the honours 
of the fraternity to their distinguished brother, and he accepted 
an invitation to visit them in the course of the evening, which 
invitation was complied with. From thence, at 10 o'clock, he 
was escorted to the residence of General Dayton, where he 
lodged. On Friday morning he breakfasted with Governor 
Ogden, after which he was introduced to the principal citizens 
of the place, and several surviving soldiers of the revolution. 

At 10 o'clock, preparations for his departure having been 
made, the General entered a superb barouche, prepared by the 
Corporation for his use, and proceeded for Rahway, escorted 
as before, and attended by a numerous cavalcade of citizens in 
carnages and on horseback. On his arrival at Rahway, he 
was greeted by the assembled population of the village, and an 
address was presented by a committee, who invited him to 
partake of a collation, which invitation was accepted. — ^A 
splendid arch was thrown across the street, under which he 
passed. A committee from Woodbridge here met the Gene- 
ralj with carriages for himself and suite, and at 12 o'clock the 

57 



450 THK TOUR OF 

party moved off for that village, accompanied by Governor 
Williamson and his staff, &;c. and arrived at 1 o'clock, where 
they halted on the green, and the General alighted. Here 
was a company of revolutionary veterans, formed in line to 
receive him, with labels " 76" on tlieir hats. Their wives, 
children, and grand-children, in regular procession continued 
the line, down which ijie General passed, giving and receiving 
the most affectionate salutations. At the end of the line, and 
at right angles with it, stood nine interesting girls, with each a 
large letter formed by flowers on their breasts, spelling the 
name Lafayette. The device was a happy one, and attracted 
the particular attention of the General, who was highly gratified 
by it. A very impressive address was delivered to him by 
Mr. Stryker, which received a suitable reply. Another colla- 
tion was here spread for the company, which having been par- 
taken, the General proceeded for New-Brunswick at 2 o'clock, 
and arrived at 4. Two beautiful arches of ever-greens and 
flowers were formed here, through which the procession passed, 
and was conducted to the City Hall, where he was received 
in due form by the Corporation, and an address delivered by 
Dr. Taylor, the Recorder. After receiving the congratulations 
of the citizens, who were introduced, he was conducted to 
FoUett's Hotel, where a splendid dinner was provided, in a 
spacious dining-hall, which was beautifully ornamented with 
wreaths, festoons, inscriptions, &:c, Sic. While at this place, a 
committee from the citizens of Monmouth waited upon him with 
an address, inviting him to pay them a visit. This, however, 
he was not able to do, consistently with his otlier engagements. 
The General passed the night at New-Brunswick, and departed 
at 7 o'clock the next morning, for Princeton, escorted by a 
squadron of cavalry under the command of Major Vandyke. 

At an early hour in the morning, strangers, and the inhabi- 
tants of the neighbouring country flocked into Princeton to 
catch a glimpse of the Hero ; all was life and animation. A 
little past 10 it was announced that the General was coming. 
He passed through the town accompanied by a numerous 
escort of cavalry, until he arrived opposite the centre gate of 
the College Campus. — The gate was thrown open, and the 
company assembled formed, the ladies on the right and the 
gentlemen on the left, leaving an avenue for him to pass to a 
splendid temple, erected in the centre of the Campus. Having 
entered the gate and proceeded half way to the temple, under 



eENERAL LAFAYETTE. 451 

the conduct of Captain Stockton, and J. S. Green, Esq. Mar- 
shals of the day, he was received by our committee, and ad- 
dressed in an appropriate speech by Richard Stockton, Esq. in 
behalf of the citizens. This ceremony being gone through, he 
was led to a splendid temple. The front facing the street was 
tastefully decorated ; and in a conspicuous situation over the 
entrance, in large letters, was placed the following motto : — 
Literae virtutem celebrant : 
Salve 
Dux clarissime, 
nobis amicissime, 
nobis carissime, 
Lafayette.* 

The interior was carpeted, contained two sofas, and was 
decorated with the paintings of Washington, and the battle of 
Princeton, the battle of York-Town, and the portraits of Drs. 
Witherspoone and Smith. The decorations," both of the tem- 
ple and refectory, were the workmanship of the ladies, and did 
honour to their taste and skill. 

On entering the temple the General was received by Presi- 
dent Carnahan, and introduced to several gentlemen present, 
when the President proceeded to deliver to him a degree of 
L. L. D. which had been conferred on him during the Presi- 
dency of Dr. Witherspoone, and is signed by the Doctor and 
several members of the Corporation at that time. The degree 
was accompanied by the following neat, elegant, and highly in- 
teresting address by Doctor Carnahan : — 

" General — ^Your arrival in the United States has been 
hailed with a joy as ardent as it is universal ; and permit me 
to say, we are happy to mingle our congratulations with those 
of our fellow-citizens in bidding the gallant soldier, the friend of 
Liberty and of Man, welcome to these shores — welcome to 
Nassau Hall. In common with others, we enjoy the rich bless- 
ings of freedom and independence, which your generous aid, , 
at a time of gloom and trial, contributed, under God, in an 
eminent degree to establish. 

" Residing also on a spot renowned in the story of our glo- 
rious Revolution for one of the most brilliant exploits of our 
beloved and revered Washington, surrounded with objects that 
daily remind us of the arduous struggles of that eventful period, 

* Translation — " Letters celebrate heroism : Welcome most renowned 
General, most friendly to us, and most dear to our hearts, Lafayette." 



452 ITHE TOUR OF 

we cannot fdrget the generosity of that noble-minded youtli, 
who came, like an angel from Heaven, to aid the oppressed 
and to vindicate the rights of man. We stand on consecrated 
ground. These classic groves, these venerable walls, have 
witnessed other scenes than the peaceful contests of the Muses, 
and retired labours of virtuous youths, ambitious to ascend the 
hill of science. A mercenary and foreign foe possessed these 
walls — a ruthless soldiery polluted these academic shades. 
But the wrongs of Nassau Hall were amply revenged. The 
sword of Washington, your companion and friend, and the 
blood of the gallant Mercer, redeemed this seat of science. 

" Fully restored to its original destiny by the peace that suc- 
ceeded the siege and surrender of York-Town, (in which you, 
Sir, bore a distinguished part,) this College has annually sent 
forth Alumni, who have held no secondary place in maintain- 
ing the freedom and independence of the nation, so ably 
achieved. 

" Here young men from different States have acquired not 
only the elements of science, but what is of more importance 
in a government like ours, the love of liberty, and the venera- 
tion of those brave men " who fought and bled in freedom's 
cause." Here, on each succeeding anniversary of our National 
Independence, our youth have vied with each other in recount- 
ing the sufferings, the labours, and the dangers, that attended 
our Revolution — in celebrating the wisdom and magnanimity of 
our statesmen — the valour and heroism of our warriors. And 
permit me to assure you, that on these occasions no name de- 
manded and received a purer and more deserved tribute of 
praise, than that of Lafayette. Hence the love of liberty and 
of country that have ever distinguished the sons of Nassau 
Hall. And if the memory of virtues so sublime, and ser- 
vices so useful, has cherished in our youths a devotion to the 
principles of 1776, how deep and how salutary must be the 
impression made by the cheering countenance and living voice 
of one who exhibited these virtues and performed these services f 
Happy Youth ! who have the felicity to see the man whose 
property and whose blood were freely given to purchase their 
inheritance, returning after a lapse of nearly half a century to 
behold the glorious results of his youthful enterprise, and to 
receive the thanks of a nation. Yes, generous Youth ! Long 
will you remember this day, and the important lesson that it 
teaches. — You have before vou a u\odel of maenanimitv and 



UENERAL LAFAYETTE. 453 

successful enterprise, equal to any of which you read in Roman 
or Grecian story. 

To which the General made the following reply : — 

" Gentlemen — While the name of this city recalls important 
military remembrance, it is also connected with that of the illus- 
trious college, which, in diffusing knowledge and liberal senti- 
ments, has greatly contributed to turn those successes to the 
advantage of public liberty. Your library has been destroyed ; 
but your principles were printed in the hearts of American 
patriots. I feel much obliged, Sii", to your kind recollection 
of the diploma, which the signature of my respected friend 
Doctor Witherspoone, renders still more precious to me ; and 
I beg you, gentlemen, and you, interesting grandsons of my 
contemporary friends, to accept my affectionate acknowledg- 
ments." 

The General was surrounded by his Excellency the Govern- 
or of New-Jersey, the Professors of the College and Seminary, 
the Reverend Doctor Green, &;c. The General's son and 
secretary were also in tlie group. 

The company, (ladies, citizens, and students of College, and 
Seminary, and invited sti'angers,) having been introduced in 
turn to the General, repaired to the refectory, where a splendid 
entertainment was provided. After tlie repast, the General was 
conducted to the College Library, and thence again to the 
temple, to view the picture of Washington, which decorated it. 
He said he thought it an excellent likeness of Washmgton when 
he first knew him. The General appeared highly pleased 
with his reception. From the temple he was conducted to 
an elegant barouche, and left Princeton about half past 12 
o'clock for Trenton. 

A lady of Princeton, a grand-daughter of Doctor Franklin, 
presented Lafayette with an elegant breast-pin, enclosing a lock 
of the Doctor's hair. 

The Infantiy and other military, assembled at Trenton, con- 
sisting of Light Infantry and Cavalry, from the counties of 
Hunterdon, Somerset, Burlington, and Gloucester, under the 
command of General Vliet, were paraded near the boundary 
line of the Corporation, to receive the General upon his arrival, 
and were there reviewed by him. After which a procession 
was formed, and he was conducted to the head of Warren- 
street. This was announced by the firing of cannon and the 
ringing of bells. 



454 THE TOUR OF 

The procession then moved down Warren-street, across the 
lower bridge, and down Bloomsbury-street, until it came to 
Market-street, up Market-street to Mill Hill, over Mill Hill, 
and the Upper Bridge, into Greene-street, up Greene-street to 
Perry-street, down Perry-street to Warren-street, dovra Warren- 
street to Second-street, and up Second-street until it came to the 
State House Yard j the military then opened to the right and left, 
and General Lafayette and suite, preceded by the Committee of 
Arrangements, the Governor and suite passed through. 

The Committee then opened to the right and left, and the 
General and Governor, and their suites, passed under the arch 
erected at the State House Gate, and was received by a choir 
of young ladies who greeted the General with an ode, com- 
posed for the occasion. 

The General was then escorted into the Assembly Room by 
the Governor, followed by the Committee of Arrangements, 
the General's suite, the Governor's suite, and other military 
officers. The General was received by the Mayor and Com- 
mon Council, convened for the occasion, when a cordial address 
was delivered by the Mayor. To which the General returned 
a feeling and appropriate answer. 

The General was then conducted by the Mayor and Com- 
mon Council, attended by the Committee of Arrangements, 
and escorted by the military to the Trenton House, where 
lodgings had been provided for him — and where a sumptuous 
dinner was served up — at which were the Governor and suite, 
Mayor and Common Council, and a large number of officers 
and citizens. 

In the evening the General attended a handsome entertain- 
ment, ordered by the Society of Cincinnati, at the City Tavern, 
where he spent the evening with his brother officers of the 
Revolutionary Army. 

The day was uncommonly fine. An immense number oi 
spectators thronged the town from all parts of the adjacent 
country. 

A spacious arch was thrown across the head of Warren- 
street, and one near the intersection of Second-street, hand- 
somely decorated with laurel, and ever-greens and flowers, 
appended in festoons. Over the front gate of the State House 
Yard, where the General entered, the old arch was placed, 
which in 1789, was erected in honour of General Washington, 
by the citizens of Trenton, as he passed on to New- York to 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 455 

take upon himself the office of President of the United States, 
Congress being then convened in that place. 

In the evening, the arches in Warren-street were handsomely 
illuminated. 

On Sunday morning he went to the Presbyterian Church, 
and in the afternoon visited Joseph Bonaparte, with whom he 
spent two hours. It was an interesting meeting — both were 
deeply afiected, and warmly embraced each other. Return- 
ing to Trenton, the General dined with Colonel Cadwallader, 
with Governor Williamson and suite, he. The Philadelphia 
Committee, and Secretary of State, he. of Pennsylvania, and 
the aids of Governor Shultze of Pennsylvania, were introduc- 
ed to him in the course of the evening. 

On Monday, September 28th, the General crossed the De- 
laware at Morrisville, thirty miles from Philadelphia, where he 
was met by Governor Shultze and suite, under an escort of 250 
cavalry. A vast concourse of people were assembled to hail 
the Guest of the Nation, and bid him welcome. The Go- 
vernor received him upon his landing with the following ad- 
dress : — 

" General Lafayette — The citizens of Pennsylvania behold, 
with the most intense feeling and exalted regard, the illustrious 
friend and companion of Washington. 

" With sentiments of the highest veneration and gratitude"^ 
we receive the early and great benefactor of the United States ; j 
the enlightened statesman, philanthropist, and patriot of hotly 
hemispheres. 

" The sincere and universal joy which your arrival has , 
diffused over the nation, is no where more deeply or enthu- j 
siastically felt, than in Pennsylvania ; whose fields and streams I 
are rendered memorable by your achievements ; whose citi- j 
zens were the followers of your standard, and the witnesses of 1 
your sacrifices and toils, in defence of American liberty. The I 
eventful scenes of your useful life are engraven on our hearts. I 
A nation has rejoiced at your successes, and sympathized with/ 
your sorrows. 

" With ardent pleasure we have ever observed your strenu 
ous exertions as the firiend of man ; and whilst your great 
services, rendered in the cause of humanity, have commanded 
our admiration, the purity of your motives has insured the love 
and affection of Americans. 

" With the best feelings of the heart we now approach you, 



456 THE TOUR OF 

with the assurance that, if any thing could add to our happi- 
ness on this interesting occasion, it would be the hope of en- 
joying the distinguished honour of your permanent residence 
among us, and that a long and splendid life of usefubess may 
be closed in this State, whose soil has been moistened with 
your blood, generously shed in the cause of virtue, liberty, and 
independence." 

To which General Lafayette made tlie following reply : — 

" Sir — On the happy moment, long and eagerly wished 
for, when I once more tread the soil of Pennsylvania, I find 
in her affectionate welcome, so kindly expressed by her first 
magistrate, a dear recollection of past favours, and a new 
source of delightful gratifications. The very names of this 
State and her Capitol, recall to the mind those philanthropic 
and liberal sentiments, which have marked every step of their 
progress. 

" Pennsylvania has been the theatre of most important 
events ; a partaker in the arduous toils and meritorious sacrifi- 
ces, which insured the success of our glorious and fruitful re- 
volution. I particularly thank you. Sir, for your gratifying 
mention of my personal obligation to the Pennsylvania line, nor 
will I ever forget, that on Pennsylvania ground, not far from 
this spot, I enjoyed, for the first time, the delight to find myself 
under American tents, and in the family of our beloved Com- 
mander in Chief. Now, Sir, Pennsylvania is in full possession, 
and reaps all the prosperities, and happy consequences, of that 
great national union, of those special institutions, which, by of- 
fering in a self-governed people the most perfect example of 
social order that ever existed, have reduced to absurdity and 
ridicule the anti -popular arguments of pretended statesmen in 
other countries. In whatever manner I may be disposed of, 
by the duties and feelings in which you have been pleased to 
sympathize, I shall ever rank this day among the most fortunate 
in my life ; and while I beg your excellency personally to ac- 
cept my cordial acknowledgments, I have the honour to offer 
to him, as Governor of the State, a tribute of profound grati- 
tude, and respected devotion, to the citizens of Pennsylvania." 

Having ascended his barouche and six, the General pro- 
ceeded on his way ; and did not reach Frankford until seven 
o'clock in the evening — such being the throngs which lined 
the roads, and the number of the welcomes offered, and 
which he could not refuse. He passed the night at Frankford. 



GENEKAL LAFAVETTt;. 457 

A y o'clock on Tuesday morning, he left l*'rankford with a 
numerous escort of Dignitaries and citizens. The population 
of the city poured forth at an early hour to meet him. Car- 
riages, horsemen, and pedestrians, filled every avenue from 
Frankford to Philadelphia, a distance of nearly five miles ; and 
the windows and stages were thronged with females, all eager 
to welcome him. Loud and reiterated as were the acclama- 
tions, the voices could not give full utterance to the overflowing 
hearts. 

In a field of forty or fifty acres, at the entrance of the city, a 
Division of Militia, composed of Cavalry, Artillery, and Infan- 
try, were drawn up in hollow square to receive the Patriot 
Hero, whose approach was announced by a salute of one hun- 
dred rounds of artillery. This military spectacle is described 
as grand in the extreme. The General, uncovered, was seen 
standing in his barouche by the whole field. The car of Sala- 
din, it is said, could not exceed, in accompaniments, that of 
Lafayette. The troops exceeded 5400. After the review, 
which the General made on foot, he received the saluting 
honours in his barouche. 

The line of march into the city was then taken up. It ex- 
tended nearly three miles, and passed through numerous streets. 
More than six hours were consumed in proceeding from Frank- 
ford to the State House, a distance of about four miles. A 
full description of this procession, and the decorated arches 
cannot be given — the following is an outline : — 

A cavalcade of 100 citizens preceded; followed by 100 
Field and Staff officers. — Then came a square of cavalry ; a 
band of Music mounted, and a corps of 160 cavalry. — Next, a 
Brigade of Infantry, (2000 strong,) with flank companies. 

Committee of Arrangements. 
General Lafayette and Judge Peters in the splendid barouche. 

Then followed four other barouches, drawn by four horses, 
with Governors Shultze and Williamson, and suites, the Gene- 
ral's family, and distinguished individuals. 

Then three cars of large dimensions, containing 120 revolu- 
tionary heroes and worthies, each characteristically decorated. 
The cars bearing on the front, " Washington," on the rear, 
^' Lafayette," and on the sides, " Defenders of our country," 
"The survivors of 1776." 

Then advanced 400 young men. Then the procession 
OF TRADES, led by a car, containing a bodv of Printers, at work 

58 



458 THE TOUR Of 

at case and press — the latter striking off and distributing copies 
of an Ode on the occasion, followed by the Typographical So- 
ciety, with a banner, with the inscription, " lafayette — The 
Friend of Universal Liberty, and the Rights of the Press^ 

Then followed 200 Cordwainers, (with banners, badges, 
emblems, &tc. The other trades were also decorated ;) — 300 
Weavers; — 150 Rope-makers; — 150 Lads, uniformly dressed; 
— 100 Ship-builders ; — 700 mechanics of different professions, 
not enumerated; — 150 Coopers, with a car, containing a 
Cooper's shop, the workmen fitting the staves and driving 
hoops : — Then came 150 Butchers, well mounted, and neatly 
dressed in their frocks ; — then 260 Cartmen, mounted, with 
aprons trimmed with blue ; and a body of 1 50 Riflemen, in 
frocks, dressed with plaids, leopard skins, &c. A company of 
Artillery, with two pieces ; a Brigade of Infantry, (1800 strong,) 
and the New-Jersey Cavalry. A body of 300 farmers closed 
the procession. 

Besides the above, there were the Red Men of the State, 
the Lafayette Association, the True Republican Society, the 
Washington and Lafayette Society ; and the German American 
Society. 

The whole appearance of this truly Grand Procession was 
august and imposing. As it passed, Lafayette ! Lafayette ! 
sprang from the voices of a multitude that rolled on, and on, 
and on, like wave after wave of the ocean, in numbers we shall 
not presume to name, [but which were estimated at 200,000,] 
Lafayette beat in every heart — Lafayette hung on every tongue 
— Lafayette glowed in every cheek — Lafayette glistened in 
every swimming eye — Lafayette swelled on every gale. The 
whole city and country appeai-ed to have arrayed themselves 
in all their glory, and beauty, and strength, at once to witness 
and adorn the majesty of the spectacle ; and the fashionable 
part of the community seemed determined to exhibit the per- 
fection of taste in the beauty of the decoration of their persons, 
and the richness of their attire. In Chesnut-street, wreaths 
were cast into the barouche, as it passed, and many of them 
were from the fair hands of the Quakeresses. 

After the procession had passed through the principal streets, 
the front halted at the old State House, which contains the 
Hall in which the Declaration of Independence was signed in 
1776. 

Here the General alighted, passed under a most magnificent 



(iiENERAL LAFAYETTK. 459 

triumphal arch, and was conducted to the Hall, which is forty 
feet square, and was decorated in a most splendid manner. 
Among the decorations was a Statue of Washington, and Por- 
traits of William Penn, Franklin, Robert Morris, Francis Hop- 
kinson, Greene, Wayne, Montgomery, Hamilton, Gates, Ro- 
chambeau, Charles Carrol, M'Kean, Jefferson, Hancock, 
Adams, Madison, Monroe, and Charles Thompson. The por- 
trait of Washington by Peale, occupied the first place, and was 
most splendidly decorated. Here were assembled the City 
authorities, the Society of Cincinnati, the Judges, Officers of 
the Army and Navy, and the Committee of Arrangements, all 
seated on superb sofas. The Governor of the State having 
been presented, General Lafayette, Judge Peters, and George 
Washington Lafayette were introduced, the company all stand- 
ing. The Mayor of the city then welcomed the Guest, in the 
following address : — 

" General — The citizens of Philadelphia welcome to their 
homes, the Patriot who has long been dear to their hearts. 

" Grateful at all times for the enjoyment of a free govern- 
ment, they are, on this occasion, peculiarly anxious, but unable 
to express a deep felt sentiment of pure affection towards those 
venerated men, whose martial and civil virtues, under provi- 
dence, have conferred upon themselves and their descendants, 
this mighty blessing. 

" Forty-eight years ago, in this city, and in this hallowed 
Hall, which may emphatically be called the Birth-place of In- 
dependence, a convention of men, such as the world has rarely 
seen, pre-eminent for talents and patriotism, solemnly declared 
their determination to assume for themselves the right of self- 
government, and that they and their posterity should thenceforth 
assert their just rank among the nations of the earth. A small, 
but cherished band of those who breasted the storm and sus- 
tained the principles thus promulgated to the world, still re- 
mains. — In the front rank of these worthies, history will find, 
and we now delight to honour, General Lafayette, whose whole 
life has been devoted to the cause of freedom, and to the sup 
port of the unalienable rights of man. 

" General — Many of your co-patriots have passed away, but 
the remembrance of their virtues and their services shall never 
pass from the minds of this people ; theirs is an imperishable 
fame, the property of ages yet to come. But we turn from the 
fond recollection of the illustrious dead, to hail with heart-felt 



460 THF. TOUR OF 

joy the illustrious living, and again bid welcome, most kindly 
and affectionately welcome, to the Guest of the Nation, the 
Patriot Lafayette." 

To which the General replied as follows : — 

" Sir — My entrance into this fair and great city, amidst the 
most solemn and affecting recollections, and under all the cir- 
cumstances of a welcome, which no expression could adequately 
acknowledge, has excited emotions in my heart, in which are 
mingled the feelings of nearly fifty years. 

" Here, Sir, within these sacred walls, by a council of wise 
and devoted patriots, and in a style worthy of the deed itself, 
was boldly declared the independence of these vast United 
States, which, while it anticipated the independence, and I hope, 
the republican independence of the whole American Hemis- 
phere, has begun for the civilized world, the era of a new and 
of the only true social order, founded on the unalienable rights 
of man, the practicability and advantage of which, are every 
day admirably demonstrated by the happiness and prosperity 
of your populous city. 

" Here, Sir, was planned the formation of our virtuous, brave, 
revolutionary army, and the providential inspiration received, 
that gave the command of it to our beloved, matchless, Wash- 
ington. But these and many other remembrances are mingled 
with a deep regret for the numerous cotemporaries, for the 
great and good men, whose loss we have remained to mourn. 
■ — It is to their services. Sir, to your regard for their memory, 
to your knowledge of the friendships I have enjoyed, that I 
refer the greater part of honours, here and elsewhere received, 
much superior to my individual merit. 

" It is also under the auspices of their venerated names, as 
well as under the impulse of my own sentiments, that I beg you, 
Mr. Mayor, you gentlemen of both Councils, and all the citi- 
zens of Philadelphia, to accept the tribute of my affectionate 
respect and profound gratitude." 

The arches were very numerous, and extremely beautiful, 
tasty, and ingenious — uniting high moral feeling, with ardent 
patriotism. Some idea may be formed of them by the follow- 
ing description of the one in Chesnut-street : — 

It was constructed of frame work, covered with canvass, and 
painted in perfect imitation of stone, after the plan of the tri- 
umphal Arch of Septimus Sevenis, at Rome. Its front 45 feet, 
depth 12, embracing a basement story of the Doric order, 



GENERAL LAFAYKTTE. 4G I 

from which the Ai'ch sprung to the height of 24 feet from the 
pavement. 

The spandals on each front were decorated with figures of 
Fame, painted in basso relievo, having their arms extended and 
holding a civic crown over the key stone. The wings of the 
Ionic order, were decorated with statues of Ldherty, Victory, 
Independence, and Plenty, with suitable mottos. The w)iole 
surmouoted by an entablature 30 feet, and supporting a flight 
of steps ; in the centre were the Arms of the city, executed by 
Mr. Sully ; on each side of the Arms were placed statues of 
Wisdom and Justice, sculptured by Mr. Rush, with appropriate 
emblems. This splendid work of Art was designed by Mr. 
Strickland, and executed by Messrs. Warren, Darley, and 
Jefferson, scene painters. The superficial surface of painted 
canvass exceeded 3000 square feet. 

The Governor of Louisiana and many sti'angers and citizens 
were introduced. Among others, the General recognised an 
old friend in Colonel Ferret, and embraced him. The 
Colonel burst into a flood of tears, and was so completely 
overwhelmed with emotion, as to be compelled to retire. He 
commanded a regiment in the revolutionary war, was wounded 
and knocked off his horse. 

At five o'clock, the General left the Hall, accompanied by 
the City Authorities, resumed his barouche, and was escorted 
by six companies, under Colonel Williams, to the Mansion- 
House. In the evening he paid visits to Mrs. Morris, and 
several other distinguished Ladies of his former acquaintance. 

In the evening the City was illuminated. Numerous trans- 
parencies were exhibited, which displayed exquisite taste and 
elegance. A slight shower of rain threw a damp over the 
buoyant spirits for a short time, but it was soon over. Win- 
dows were arrayed with beautiful marble and alabaster, and 
decorated with the fairest contents of the green houses. The 
United States Bank was a perfect anomaly in illumination. 
The hghts were so arranged as not to be seen, and the doors 
being thrown open so as to discover the interior, the whole 
building presented the appearance of a palace of transparent 
marble. 

On Wednesday the General held a levee at the Hall of the 
State House, and thousands shook his hand. At this levee he 
received no less than fourteen Addresses, from the aged Sol- 
diers ; the Clergy, presented by Bishop White ; the Philoso- 



462 ' THK TOUK OF 

phical and Bible Societies ; the University ; the Chamber of 
Commerce ; tlie Bar ; the Young Men ; the French Citizens ; 
the Washington Grays ; the Lafayette Association ; the Re- 
volutionary Officers, and the Young Ladies of several Schools. 
His answer to each was peculiarly pertinent. He afterwards 
dined with the corporation. The following was his toast on the 
occasion : — 

" The City of Philadelphia, where American Independence 
was first proclaimed, and where the Holy Alliance of public order 
with popular institutions is every day happily demonstrated." 

In the evening he visited General Cadwallader, and re- 
ceived all the officers of the late parade. 

On Thursday he dined with his family ; and in the evening 
called on Doctor Griffith ; was at Mr. Huerta's Concert ; and 
afterwards waited on Mrs. Powell. 

On Friday he dined with Governor Shultze ; and before 
dinner called on Judge Peters, and Mrs. (Major) Jackson. 
After dinner he called on the widow and daughter of Colo- 
nel Tousard, then visited Mrs. Nicklin, the daughter of the 
late General M'Pherson. 

In the evening he visited the Philosophical Society, and 
spent the remainder at the house of Mrs. N. Biddle. 

On Saturday he visited the Navy Yard, attended by the 
Governor and citizens of the first distinction, escorted by the 
United States Marines, a regiment of Militia, several indepen- 
dent companies, and a long civic procession. His arrival at 
the Yard was announced by a salute, from the John Adams, 
commanded by Captain Dallas. He first alighted at Major 
Gamble's quarters, where he received an address from the 
Corporation of Southwalk. As he passed the green a num- 
ber of children chanted suitable pieces of music in honour of 
the Hero. He was then received by Commodore Barron and 
his officers, was addressed by the former, and took a view of 
the ships of war, he. A collation Was provided in the Mould 
room by the officers of the station, at vv^hich over 500 Ladies 
and 200 Gentlemen were present. After refreshment the 
Commodore introduced the Ladies separately to the General, 
who took each by the hand, receiving from them very agreea- 
ble tokens of affection and admiration. The John Adams was 
beautifully decorated and manned on die occasion. The re- 
ception of the General by Mrs. Gamble was universally praised. 

After returning from the Navy Yard, the General dined with 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 463 

upwards of 400 Brethren of the Fraternity, at the Masonic 
Hall. The scene was brilliant and munificent. 

Of the Masons present were Brothers George Washington 
Lafayette, La Vasseur, Commodore Stewart, Major Gamble, 
General Porter, and Colonel Victor Dupont, of Delaware, 
former aid to Brother Lafayette. 

In the evening he paid a visit to Joseph Reed, Esq. attend- 
ed the Concert at the Washington Saloon, and spent the re- 
mainder of the evening at the house of General Cadwallader, 
in company with Mr. Adams, Secretary of State, and other 
distinguished citizens. 

On the Sabbath he attended divine worship at Christ Church, 
aTid heard a sermon from the venerable Bishop White. He 
afterwards dined at the country residence of Judge Peters, in 
company with Mr. John Quincy Adams, Mr. Forseth, Mr. Breck, 
General Cadwallader, General Barnard, Major Gamble, and 
many others. 

The Grand Civic Ball given in honour of General Lafayette, 
on Monday evening, at the New Theatre, exceeded in magni- 
ficence and beauty any thing of the kind ever witnessed. Be- 
tween fifteen and seventeen hundred ladies and gentlemen 
were present, exhibiting an unrivalled galaxy of fashion, ele- 
gance, and splendour. The company assembled early, and 
were nearly all present at 9 o'clock, when the General arrived, 
forming for his reception a most imposing group and avenue. 
The details of this brilliant entertainment it is not in our power 
to give. 

Of the company present were Mrs. (Robert) Morris, the 
Misses BoUman, daughters of Doctor Bollman, who attempted 
with Colonel Huger to secure Lafayette from Olmutz, Go- 
vernor Shultze, Governor Williamson, John Quincy Adams, 
Esq., General Barnard, and distinguished citizens from many 
of the States, the whole amounting to nearly 200. Several 
thousand persons were present. 

Over 2000 pupils of the Schools of both sexes, were ar- 
ranged on Tuesday morning in the State House yard to re- 
ceive and address General Lafayette. — The spectacle was 
beautiful and interesting. 

On the 5th of October, Lafayette left Philadelphia. He 
passed the Brandywine, and entered Wilmington, the capital 
of Delaware, on the 6th about noon. He was received with 
demonstrations of lively gratitude and joy ; and a sumptuous 



464 THE TOUR OV 

repast was provided for him. He then proceeded to Newcas-» 
tie in that State, and was present at the marriage of Colonel V. 
Dupont, formerly one of his aids in France. From this place 
he proceeded to Frenchtown. 

Agreeably to arrangement, the steam-boat United States, 
captain Edward Trippe, left Baltimore for Frenchtown on 
Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock, with the committee from the 
corporation of that city, the military committee, and other gen- 
tlemen, who went with the committee by invitation. This de- 
putation was accompanied by a most interesting member, Mr. 
Du Boismarten, a venerable Frenchman, whose head is whiten- 
ed with 83 cold winters, many of them he had found not only 
cold, but cheerless and bleak. He is the personage who pro- 
cured and commanded the vessel that first landed Lafayette 
upon our soil. At 3 o'clock the company partook of an ex- 
cellent dinner provided for the occasion. 

The boat arrived at Frenchtown about half past 4 in the 
afternoon. The Governor's Aids accompanied by a squadron 
of Cavalry, under the command of Captain Jacob Hollings- 
worth, proceeded immediately to the Delaware line, to escort 
the General to Frenchtown. 

At about 8 o'clock in the evening, the Hon. John Quincy 
Adams arrived at Frenchtown, in the Union Line, on his way 
to Washington. The Deputation waited upon him and inform- 
ed him that he had been invited to be present at Baltimore to 
participate in the reception of General Lafayette, and desired 
him to come on board of the steam-boat United States. He 
thanked them kindly for this mark of respect and attention, and 
accepted the invitation. He was then conducted into the 
cabin and introduced to all present. 

The General, having been detained till very late at the 
nuptial party of his friend, Mr. Victor Dupont, did not arrive 
at the Maryland hne till after 1 o'clock in the morning. He 
was there presented by Louis M'Lane, Esq. Chairman of tlie 
Delaware Committee, to the Aids of the Governor of Mary- 
land. The first aid announced to the General in very appro- 
priate and warm terms, in behalf of his Excellency Governor 
Stevens, a cordial welcome to the State of Maryland ; and in- 
formed him that they were ready to escort him to head quarters 
which were established at Fort M' Henry. The General ar- 
rived at Frenchtown a little after 2 o'clock, to which place the 
Delaware Committee accompanied him. Mr. M'Fjane there, 



r.ENEKAL, LAFAYETTE. 466 

on parting, made a most feeling and elegant address, and in be- 
half of himself and associates, took a most affectionate leave. 
The Aids of the Governor then conducted the General on 
board tlie steam-boat, where the Deputations received him 
upon the deck. Mr. Morris, President of the First Branch of 
the City Council, and Chairman of the Committee, advanced 
to the Guest and addressed him in a manner that evinced at 
once that he felt what he spoke from the bottom of his heart — 
it was as follows : — 

" General — The immortal Franklin, dwelling widi rapture on 
the high destination which his matchless and prophetic mind 
foresaw awaited his country — ever alive for the success of its 
untried mstitutions, imagined the happiness of it would afford a 
patriot of the revolution who had been summoned from this 
world, could he, at a distant period, be allowed to return and 
see fulfilled all his fond hopes in relation to this our beloved 
country. 

" Illustrious Sir — ^That which appeared but the offspring of 
the musings and reveries of our Patriot Father, has substan- 
tially been realized in you. The distinguished part which you 
acted during the war of our Independence, and the sequel of 
your life, furnish abundant evidence of the intense interest 
which you have entertained for our welfare — your chivalric 
exertions, in our behalf, having been crowned with peace, you 
gave a distinguished proof that no sordid or selfish motive im- 
pelled your actions. You retm-ned to the land of your fathers ! 
— ^blessings on your name and work proclaimed from every 
tongue. Between that and the present time, is an era in which 
has occurred the most extraordinary events recorded in history 
— when the empires of the Old World have been convulsed to 
their foundations, and thrones dashed one against another. 
During the same period there has arisen in this our New 
World, a confederate Republic, which had its origin with, and 
is acted upon and kept in motion by the people, to whom this 
invaluable right belongs — a principle which the whole tenor 
of your consistent political life has shown dear to you. Its fit- 
fulness to conduce to our happiness in peace, and protection in 
war, and every other object of legitimate government, has been 
confirmed by every variety of event that could illustrate its 
wisdom and test its durability. It has pleased Divine Provi- 
dence to have spared and protracted your eventful life, that 
yoiu might contrast the origin with the present elevated station 

59 



466 THE TOUK Of 

which this country has assumed among the nations of the earth; 
and to realize the blessings enjoyed by ten millions of people, 
"who sitting under their own vine and fig-tree," with our 
country's friend, and the Friend of Mankind ! 

" The Corporation of Baltimore, uniting with our common 
country, in the joy that swells every bosom, as the organ of 
public sentiment, have deputed us to advance, to receive and 
welcome you, and, as heralds, proclaim the lively and distin- 
guished pleasure our community holds in reserve, at the pros- 
pect of our city being again honoured by your presence, and 
to assure you, that could their sensations towards you bear any 
additional excitement, they would derive renewed strength 
from the gratifying manner, that you have recurred to an event 
in the revolutionary history, which affords an assurance, they 
have maintained a place in your recollection. Although time 
has diminished the number of those who personally knew you, 
and their survivers but a chosen few, who breasted the same 
storm, who mingled their blood with yours, in the same glori- 
ous strife. Nevertheless, there has arisen a new generation, 
who are restless and impatient to survey the features of a man, 
whose talents, whose energies, whose virtues, whose disinter- 
ested services in the cause of Liberty, have long since roused 
in their bosoms the raptures of enthusiasm ; and who delight 
to repeat the never dying name of Lafayette." 

The General having but just left his Delaware friends, and 
meeting so suddenly this reception, it affected him most sensi- 
l?ly — he pressed his hand to his heart, and said, I am grateful. 
He was then introduced by Mr. Morris to the gentlemen of 
the Corporation — then to General Harper, who delivered a feel- 
ing address. 

General Smith and Colonel Bentalou stepped forward and 
announced to him the object of their mission, and the joy they 
felt in meeting him again. The General embraced them in 
the warmest and most affectionate manner, and inquired par- 
ticularly after his old friends and associates. — The meeting of 
the General with the amiable, retiring, and venerable Mons. 
Du Boismartin, was of a most touching character to the sensi- 
tive mind — they held each other by the hand and conversed 
together in French for a considerable time. After the intro- 
ductions were gone through, Captain Trippe announced that 
he had an entertainment ready for the company. They all 
followed the General to the cabin, and a little after 3 o'clock 



GENEilAL l.AFAYETTE. 467 

the General repaired to the ladies cabin, prepared for his lodg- 
ing room, and invited Mr. Adams to accompany him. The 
company then retired to their births. During the night parti- 
cularly the early part of it, the rain poured down in torrents, in 
which the Cavalry and the Governor's Aids were drenched, but 
they heeded it not. 

Just as the steam-boat entered the Patapsco, the threatening 
clouds dispersed, the morning sun shone forth in its brightest 
effulgence, and seemed to bid ^^ Welcome to Lafayette" Dur- 
ing the night the company were apprehensive the day would 
be unpropitious to Baltimore, but as " the bright sun shone out," 
their hearts leaped for joy. On approaching the fort, the steam- 
boats Maryland, Virginia, Philadelphia, and Eagle, all beautifully 
dressed with flags and streamers flying, came down the river, 
full of anxious citizens, to meet the United States, and passed 
transversely around her — as they passed, the people on board 
waved their hats, and gave the most hearty, enhvening, and oft 
repeated cheering. The five boats, in regular order, the Unit- 
ed States leading the van, pioceeded for the fort, during which 
they came along-side, alternately, and the passengers saluted 
the General, which he received, uncovered, in the most cordial 
manner. The whole scene was most interesting. 

The landing was a very interesting scene. The barge, com- 
manded by Captain Gardner, and manned by some of our most 
respectable ship masters, was the first that made for the shore 
— it contained General Lafayette, Mr. Secretary Adams, Ge- 
neral Smith, Mr. Du Boismartin, and Mr. Morris. In the second 
boat, George Washington Lafayette, Mons. La Vaiseur, Colo- 
nel Paul Bentalou, Mr. Patterson, and the Governor's Aids ; 
and the other members of the Deputation followed in succes- 
sion. The General vi^as received at the platform at Fort 
M'Henry, by Col. Hindman, of the army of the U. States, and 
Edward G. Woodyear, Esq. a member of the committee of 
arrangement. The officers of the Army and Navy in Balti- 
more, the Citizen Volunteers of Fort M'Henry, during the 
bombardment, the Committee of Vigilance and Safety of 1814, 
and the officers of the late 36th and 38th United States regi- 
ments of Infantry, had their stations, and the General passed 
through their line on his march up to the " star fort." Upon 
entering the gate the troops of the garrison presented arms — 
then opened to the right and left, which brought to his view the 
tent of Washington. Upon which His Excellency Governor 



4G6 THE TOUU Oi" 

Stevens advanced from the tent, and greeted liim with the fol- 
lowing address : — ' 

" General — In bidding you a hearty welcome to the State of 
Maryland, whilst I gratify the honest feelings of my own heart, 
I express, but feebly, those of the people, whom it is my pride 
and pleasure on this occasion to represent. 

" Beneath this venerable canopy, many a time and oft have 
you grasped the friendly hand of our illustrious Washington, 
aided his council \yith your animating voice, or shared with him 
the hardy soldier's meal. The incidents which the association 
so forcibly recalls, however inspiring, it were needless to dwell 
upon. The recollection of them fills the mind with gratitude, 
a full measure of which is justly due to you, as the generous 
companion of our fathers, the gallant and disinterested soldier of 
liberty. 

" May the sentiments of gratitude towards the author of the 
blessings we enjoy, never be weakened in the bosoms of my 
countrymen. 

" On this very ground, scarce ten years are past since our 
brave fellow citizens, have proved that they knew how to defend 
the liberty, which you nobly assisted them to achieve. Ten 
times an hundred years shall elapse, and the glorious example 
shall not be lost upon them. 

" You are about. General, to enter the city of Baltimore, 
which you have known in other days. In her growth and em- 
bellishment, you will behold a symbol of our national prosperity, 
under popular Institutions, and a purely Representative Govern- 
ment. Her monuments aptly illustrate the feelings of my fellow 
citizens. 

" In the column which has been reared to the blessed memory 
of Washington, we have an evidence of the veneration and per- 
manency with which they cherish the memory of your compa- 
triots, the heroes of the revolution. In the column of latter date, 
you will discern the gratitude of freemen, for the services of 
those who devote themselves to the cause of liberty. 

" Welcome, thrice welcome, General, to the soil of Mary- 
land. Nothing that we can do, can too strongly express to you 
the affection and respect which we entertain for your person 
and your principles, or the joy with which we receive you among 
us, as a long absent Father upon a visit to his children." 

The Governor then conducted him to the Tent, where he 
found the Society of the Cincinnati, the patriarchs of the revo- 



GENEKAL LAFAYETTE. 469 

lution — here he was received and embraced by all of them — 
^the scene was one of the most impressive and heart-touching, 
that was ever witnessed — all were convulsed into tears, but tliey 
were tears of the most heart-felt joy and gratulation. 

ColonelJohn E. Howard, the hero of Cowpens, and President 
of the Cincinnati Society, when the first emotion had subsided, 
addressed the General in the name of the Society, who in his 
reply, declared that " language could not express his feelings 
with meeting with his brothers in arms, in the Tent of their 
common friend, the beloved Washington." He then most af- 
fectionately embraced his old friends, Charles Carroll, of Car- 
rollton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, 
General Beeson, General Strieker, Colonel Howard, and all 
the aged members of the association, while tears rolled down 
their venerable cheeks. He shook hands with the younger mem- 
bers in the most cordial manner, looked fi-equently with an in- 
quiring eye round the Tent, and seemed deeply affected. On 
discovering part of Washington's camp equipage, he said in an 
under voice, " I remember !" There was not a dry eye in the 
Tent. 

The General and invited guests then retired to an adjoining 
Marquee, to an excellent breakfast prepared for the occasion, 
when many recollections of former days were brought forcibly 
to mind ; and when this repast closed, the General was con- 
ducted to his barouche, accompanied as before by all the civil 
and military authorities present. When he had taken his seat, 
Charles Carroll, General Smith, and Colonel Howard, were 
handed into the same barouche, which was followed by another 
containing George Washington Lafayette, whose warm recep- 
tion we should have noticed before. Colonel Bentalou, and two 
other gentlemen, and other carriages followed. 

The General's barouche exceeds in beauty any thing of the 
kind in America ; it was built expressly for the purpose, by 
Curlet &£ Co. of this city. When the carriage drove from the 
outer gate of the fort, the General was received by about one 
thousand cavalry, who formed his escort into the city, followed 
by thousands of citizens. 

On passing Federal Hill, a salute of twenty-four guns was 
fiired, to denote the number of States composing the Union, on 
the return of the General to America. 

Descending Federal Hill, the procession passed under a beau- 
tiful arch at die head of Forest-street. The crowd of citizens 



470 THE TOUR OB- 

hailing him here, was extremely great, and the increase con- 
tinued every step till he reached the magnificent arch at the 
head of Market-street, where his friends descended from the 
barouche, and he alone proceeded down the line of military, 
which extended far into Old Town, and from this fact it may 
be collected that ten thousand troops were present. The ap- 
pearance of Market-street was splendid and animating — every 
house-top, every door was filled with spectators ; and of the 
multitudes of female beauty and fashion that crowded all the 
windows, and every street, it would be no easy task to give a 
description. 

The streets were also thronged, but the greatest order pre- 
vailed, and the Nation's Guest passed along the vast line, cheered 
by a hundred thousand voices, and by the waving of handker- 
chiefs and flags. Having passed through a splendid arch at 
Market-street bridge, he proceeded to Fell's Point, and return- 
ing by Pratt and Gay-streets, he descended at the Exchange, 
and entering the great hall, was received by the Mayor and 
Councils. The Mayor delivered an appropriate address, to 
which the General made an affectionate reply, and after the 
usual ceremonies, he returned to his barouche, and proceeded 
to Light-street, across which, at the entrance into Market-street, 
an elegant pavdion had been erected, into which he was con- 
ducted, accompanied by a number of distinguished persons ; 
and here he received the passing salute of one of the finest 
assemblages of military men ever seen in any American city ; 
language would fail in describing the interest and splendour of 
this ceremony which occupied two hours. 

A't 5 o'clock, the General sat down to a very splendid din- 
ner, at which the Mayor presided, supported by William Pat- 
terson and John B. Morris, Esquires, as Vice Presidents. The 
room was elegantly illuminated, the glare of light thrown on the 
furniture, and the numerous portraits of Revolutionary Heroes, 
produced the finest effect — Aad the company was regaled by 
the music of a band, next to none perhaps in this country. The 
Governor of Maryland and his aids — John Quincy Adams, 
Secretary of State, General Macomb, of the Army of the Uuit- 
ed States, Colonel Howard, General Samuel Smitli, Mr. Cur- 
tis of Arlington, Generals Strieker, Stuart, Reed, Benson, Har- 
per, Stansbury, M'Donald, and the Colonels commanding regi- 
ments from the country and in the city, and a great number 
of others were present. 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 471 

The standard of the brave Count Pulaski, who fell at the as- 
sault upon Savannah, was proudly borne in the ranks of the 
corps of volunteers, fastened to one of the spears belonging to 
the Legion, entwined with Pulaski's sword and cross belt, now 
owned by Colonel Bentalou, as a pledge of affectionate remem- 
brance, of his departed friend. 

In the evening the city illumination was splendid ; the Ex- 
change and the Banks exhibited a blaze of light. The Dis- 
pensary, Theatre, Museum, the Arches, the Pyramids of fire 
near the Bridge on Market-street, and the brilliant revolving 
star, three feet in diameter, all had an imposing effect beyond 
the power of language to express. The whole scene was in- 
terspersed with transparencies, mottos, and devices, all pecu- 
liarly appropriate to the occasion. 

At 12 o'clock on Friday, the General was addressed at the 
Exchange by Major General Harper, in behalf of the third 
division, and the officers were all presented to him. The Gene- 
ral next received the attentions of the citizens generally, who 
shook him most cordially by tlie hand. 

About half past 7 the General arrived at the Masonic Hall, 
which was most splendidly illuminated, and decorated for the 
occasion. The M. W. G. Master delivered a feeling and ap- 
propriate address ; to which the General returned a cordial and 
affectionate reply. More than 700 brethren were present, 
splendidly decorated in all the costume of the craft. 

From the Masonic Hall the General repaired to the Ball 
Room, which for taste, elegance, and beauty, exceeded all the 
powers of description. This splendid Ball Room was no less 
than the theatre, specially fitted up for the occasion. The re- 
ception of the General was also sublime and imposing beyond 
the powers of conception, and his introduction to this splendid 
circle of ladies was a scene most truly interesting. This cere- 
mony being closed, a signal was given by a flourish of bugles, 
and instantly the dance began. This also was a brilliant scene, 
which continued until half past seven, when supper was an- 
nounced. General Lafayette led the way, escorted by the ma- 
nagers, and the supper room exhibited a scene as splendid and 
imposing as the Ball Room. The cheerful conviviality exhibit- 
ed in the supper room, the appropriate toasts that were drank, 
and the cordial hilarity of the guests, when taken collectively, 
may be considered as the finishing touch to this magnificent 
fete at Baltimore. 



472 THE TOUR Of 

General Lafayette left Baltimore on Monday for Washing- 
ton, accompanied by the Mayor, tlie Committee of Arrange- 
ments, the Aids of the Governor, and an escort of cavalry to 
Rossburg, where he lodged on Monday night, and breakfasted 
on Tuesday morning. After which he was accompanied and 
escorted as before to the line ofthe District of Columbia, where 
he was met by a committee, introduced to a superb barouche, 
escorted by a military cortege, and a cavalcade, and received a 
national salute of artillery. Here a brilliant Procession was 
formed, which was preceded by a corps of cavalry, and brought 
up by a cavalcade of citizens, the whole extending over two 
miles ; while the entire way-sides were thronged with citizens, 
who made the air again resound with the shouts of welcome. 
He was thus conducted to the Capitol square, and passed under 
a Civic Arch, elegantly decorated and enlivened with appropriate 
inscriptions. Under the Arch were 25 young Ladies (represent- 
ipg the 24 States, and the District of Columbia,) dressed in 
white, with blue scarfs and wreaths of roses, and each bear- 
ing a banner designating the State and District she represented. 
They had been escorted to the Arch by some Juvenile compa- 
nies. As soon as the General arrived. Miss S. W. Watterston, 
representing the District, and only eleven years old, advanced, 
and presented a very appropriate address. It is needless to ex- 
press the feeling which the Guest manifested at the scene. He 
shook hands with each of the interesting group. After receiving 
the welcome of another group of young Ladies from George- 
town, he entered the Capitol, passed through the rotunda, and 
entered the Tent of Washington. Here he was met by the Mayor, 
and other Authorities, Officers, Clergy, he. he. To an address 
from the Mayor, full of fine feeling, the General made the fol- 
lowing reply : — 

" The land and flattering reception with which I am ho- 
noured by the citizens of Washington, excite the most lively 
feelings of gratitude ; those grateful feelings. Sir, at every 
step of my happy visit to the United States, could not but en- 
hance the inexpressible delight I have enjoyed at the sight of 
the immense and wonderful improvements, so far beyond even 
the fondest anticipations of a warm American heart ; and 
which, in the space of forty years, have so gloriously evinced 
the superiority of popular institutions and self-government, 
over the too imperfect state of political civilization, found in 
every part of the othor hemisphere. In this august place. 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 473 

which bears the most venerable of all ancient and modern 
names, I have, Sir, the pleasure to contemplate, not only a 
Dentre of that constitutional Union so necessary to these States, 
so important to the interests of mankind, but also a great poli- 
tical school where attentive observers from other parts of the 
world may be taught the practical science of true social order. 

" Among the circumstances of my life to which you have 
been pleased to allude, none can afford me such dear recollec- 
tions as my having been early adopted as an American soldier, 
so there is not a circumstance of m.}- reception in which I take 
so much pride, as in sharing those honours with my beloved 
companions in arms. Happy I am to feel that the marks of 
affection and esteem bestowed on me, bear testimony to my 
perseverance in the American principles I received under the 
tent of Washington, and of which I shall, to my last breath, 
prove myself a devoted disciple. I beg you, Mr. Mayor, and 
the gentlemen of the Corporation, to accept my respectful ac- 
knowledgments to you and to the citizens of Washmgton." 

After the customary introductions, the General reviewed the 
military, amounting to 1600, and received a grand salute. The 
General accompanied by the Mayor, and attended by General 
Brown, and Commodore Tingey, proceeded to the President's 
House. The streets were lined with spectators, and the 
windows filled with ladies, all repeating benedictions on the be- 
loved Guest, and waving their handkerchiefs in token of their 
happiness. 

On alighting, the General was received by the Marshal of 
the District, and supported by General Brown and Commo- 
dore Tingey, of the Committtee of Arrangements, and conduct- 
ed to the Drawing Room, where the President advanced to 
him and gave him a cordial and affectionate reception. The 
President had on his right hand the Secretary of State and Se- 
cretary of the Treasury, and on his left the Secretary of the 
Army and Secretary of the Navy ; while the Attorney General, 
General Jesup, Colonel Gibson, Colonel Towson, Major 
Nourse, and Doctor Lovell, of the Army, Captains Rodgers, 
Chauncey, Porter, Jones, and Morris, of the Navy, the Post- 
Master General, the Comptrollers, Auditors, and other high 
Officers of the Government, were arranged on each side of the 
room, to the number of 50 or 60. The interview was impres- 
sive, and occasioned many grateful recollections. After an 
interchange of courtesies, and spending about 20 minutes in 

80 



474 THE TOUK OF 

delightful converse, during which liberal refreshments were 
passed round, the General tpok his leave and rejoined his escort. 
He then passed in review the whole body of troops, and retired 
to his quarters at Gadsby's Hotel. After some time spent in 
his private room, a great number of Officers, Citizens, &tc. 
were introduced to him. 

After the ceremony of the procession, &;c. a public dinner 
was provided, at which the Mayor of Washington presided, 
assisted by the Presidents of the boards of Aldermen and the 
Common Council ; and at which were present the heads 
of departments, revolutionary officers, military and naval 
officers of the United States, members of the City Council, 
and many distinguished characters from different parts of the 
nation. 

His reception by Mr. Monroe President of the United States, 
was most cordial and honourable. He called on the Presi- 
dent, the day of his arrival in Washington, as before mention- 
ed. The next day he was with Mr. Monroe both at breakfast 
and dinner, and on Thursday, the President gave a public din- 
ner in honour of Lafayette, at which were present, the Heads 
of Departments, many distinguished public characters from 
various parts of the United States, and the principal officers of 
the army and navy. While in Washington, he also visited the 
Secretaries of State, of the Treasury, and of War, and Major 
General Brown, of the United States army. 

General Lafayette rode over to Georgetown on Thursday, 
having been earnestly invited by the Mayor and corporation to 
visit that city ; and the citizens demonstrated their gratitude and 
joy on the occasion, by a military escort, and a respectable 
procession. But the most acceptable offering was such as he 
had received in all other places, the spontaneous and cordial sa- 
lutations of the whole people. On Friday, he visited the navy 
yard, by invitation of the veteran Commodore Tingey. His 
reception here was remarkably brilliant and impressive ; he 
was accompanied by many distinguished citizens and public 
functionaries ; and the attentions of the naval veteran were ho- 
nourable to himself and highly gratifying to General Lafayette. 
He dined again on Friday with President Monroe ; and on 
Saturday proceeded on his proposed visit to Alexandria, and 
York-Town. He was accompanied as far as the Potomac by 
die Mayor and committee of arrangements from Wasliington, 
escorted by the Georgetown cavalry. On the south side of the 



Ot:NERAb LAt'AYETTt;. 475 

river, he was received by the deputation of Alexandria, at- 
tended by many other citizens, and several officers of the army 
and navy of the United States. 

He entered the Ancient Dominion at Alexandria, at noon, 
on the 16th, every where accompanied, escorted, and wel- 
comed with the offerings of all hearts, hands, and voices. The 
parade of military exceeded 1 500. In the procession was a car 
with the tent of Washington. The procession passed through 
thronged streets, by crowded houses, under splendid arches, and 
amidst tlie roar of welcome, and shouts of transport. On the 
apex of a magnificent arch was perched a live mountain Eagle, 
of extraordinary size, who spread his wings when the General 
passed, and seemed to unite in their welcome. On his way he 
was met by another of those interesting and affecting sights — a 
body of two hundred young boys and misses, who, while one 
of the latter chanted a beautiful paean, strewed flowers in his 
path. He was here addressed by the Mayor, the Common 
Council, his brother Masons, and others. Salutes of artillery 
were fired at intervals. At the public dinner given to him, Mr. 
Secretary Adams, Commodores Rodgers and Porter, General 
Macomb and other distinguished citizens, were guests. The 
toasts were good and the volunteers numerous. " Our distin- 
guished Guest — the People's prisoner," was one of them. The 
General held a levee in the evening. The public buildings 
and many private houses were brilliantly illuminated. 

On the Sabbath General Lafayette proceeded to Mount 
V^ernon, and visited the tomb of Washington, his revered 
Father and Friend. While here, he was presented, by Mr. 
Custis, with a ring containing a portion of the hair of the 
Sainted Hero, together with the masonic sash and jewel for- 
merly belonging to the Great Mason, accompanied with the fol- 
lowing address : — 

" Last of the Generals of the army of Independence ! At 
this awful and impressive moment, when, forgetting the splen- 
dour of a triumph greater than Roman consul ever had, you 
b<^nd with reverence over the remains of Washington, the 
child of Mount Vernon presents you with this token, contain- 
ing the hair of him, whom while living you loved, and to whose 
honoured grave you now pay the manly and affecting tribute 
of a patriots and a soldier's tear. 

" The ring has ever been an emblem of the union of hearts 
from the earliest ages of the world ; and this will unite the af- 



470 THE TOUR OF 

fections of all the Americans to the person and posterity of 
Lafayette, now and hereafter. And when your descendants 
of a distant day shall behold this valued relic, it will remind 
them of the heroic virtues of their illustrious sire, who received 
it, not in the palaces of princes, or amid the pomp and vanities 
of life, but at the laurelled grave of Washington. 

" Do you ask — Is this the Mausoleum befitting the ashes of 
a Marcus Aurelius, or the good Antonius ? I tell you, that the 
father of his country lies buried in the hearts of his countrymen; 
and in those of the brave, the good, the free, of all ages and 
nations. Do you seek for the tablets which are to convey his 
fame to immortality ? They have long been written in the 
freedom and happiness of their country. These are the monu- 
mental trophies of Washington the great ; and will endure 
when the proudest works of art have " dissolved and left not a 
wreck behind." 

" Venerable man ! Will you never tire in the cause of free- 
dom and human happiness ? Is it not time that you should 
rest from your labours, and repose on the bosom of a country, 
which delights to love and honour you, and will teach her 
children's children to bless your name and memory ? Surely, 
where liberty dwells, there must be the country of Lafayette. 

" Our fathers witnessed the dawn of your glory, partook of 
its meridian splendour ; and oh, let their children enjoy the be- 
nign radiance of your setting sun. And when it shall sink in 
the horizon of nature, here, here with pious duty, we will form 
your sepulchre ; and, united in death as in life, by the side of 
the great chief you will rest in peace, till the last trump awakes 
the slumbering world, and calls your virtues to their great 
reward. 

" The joyous shouts of millions of freemen hailed your return- 
ing foot-print on our sands. The arms of millions are opened 
wide to take you to their grateful hearts ; and the prayers of 
millions ascend to the throne of the Eternal, that the choicest 
blessings of Heaven may cheer the latest days of Lafayette." 

General Lafayette having received the ring, pressed it to his 
bosom, and replied : — 

" Tlie feelings, which at this awful moment oppress my heart, 
do not leave the power of utterance. I can only thank you, 
my dear Custis, for your precious gift. I pay a silent homage 
to the tomb of the greatest and best of men, my paternal friend." 

On Monday, the General proceeded down the Potomac for 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 477 

York-Town, in the steam-boat Petersburgh, accompanied by- 
two other steam-boats. 

The steam-boat Virginia left York the same day at 1 1 o'clock, 
and proceeded down the river, followed by the steam-boat 
United States from Baltimore, and Virginia from Richmond — 
at 12, at the mouth of the river, met the steam-boat Peters- 
burgh, with General Lafayette onboard, followed by the steam- 
boats Potomac and Richmond, the former from Alexandria, 
the latter from Norfolk. The General, according to previous 
arrangement, debarked from the Petersburgh, and came on 
board the Virginia, where he was met by the Committee of ar- 
rangements ; the Virginia firing at the time a salute of 15 guns. 
After the General and his suite, who were accompanied by the 
Secretary of War, and several officers of distinction, both of the 
army and navy, had entered on board the Virginia, she returned 
to York followed by the steam-boats Petersburgh and Rich- 
mond on the larboard side, and the Potomac and the United States 
on the starboard ; the Virginia following in the rear in the centre, 
thus forming, as it were, an ellipsis, when they moved up in a 
very handsome style, the bands on board playing very appro- 
priate airs, while the heights were thronged with troops and 
spectators, anxious to see, and pay their respects to the man 
whose career of life has never been equalled, and such a man 
will probably never exist again. — The feelings of all present 
were more or less excited when the General came on board 
the Virginia ; but when he was addressed by B. W. Leigh, 
Esq. in behalf of the State ; the manner in which the address 
was delivered, as well as the style in which it was written, 
together with the circumstances which gave rise to such an ad- 
dress on this spot, all manifested an appearance such as cannot 
be described. On the General's landing he was supported by 
Colonels Bassett, Harvie, Peyton, and Jones, who introduced 
him to the Governor of the State ; the latter received hirii with 
the following address : — 

" General Lafayette — 

" Sir — In behalf of the people of Virginia, I tender to you 
a most cordial and hearty welcome to our state. 

" In you we recognise the early, the steadfast, the consistent 
friend. Whilst the United States in general owe you so large a 
debt of gratitude for the liberal tender of your purse, your per- 
son, and your blood, in their behalf, the State of Virginia, is, if 
possible, still more deeply indebted to you. You were her 



478 THE TOUK OF 

defender in the hour of her greatest trial. At the enrly age ot" 
twenty-four years, with an army greatly inferior in numbers, and 
still more in equipments and discipline, you conducted your mili- 
tary movements with so much judgment, that the ablest officer 
of the British army could never obtain the slightest advantage 
over you ; and whilst diat officer spent his time in harassing our 
distressed state, you manoeuvred before him with the most unceas- 
ing caution and vigilance, with a steady eye, to that grand result, 
which brought the war to a crisis on the plains of York. 

" Forty-three years from that period, we have the happiness 
to find you in our country, the vast improvement of which is 
the most conclusive evidence of the correctness of the princi- 
ples for which you contended by the side of Washington. 

" I will conclude. Sir, by the expression of a sentiment,' which 
I believe to be strictly true ; — It is, that no man, at any time . 
ihas ever received the effusions of a nation's feelings, which have y 
Npome so directly from the heart." ^ 

The General advanced, and grasping the Governor's hand, 
said, — " I am gratified. Sir, most highly gratified, by the recep- 
tion you have given me on the part of the State of Virginia. 
The happy conduct and the successful termination of the de- 
cisive campaign, in which you have the goodness to ascribe to 
me so large a part, were attributable much more to the consti- 
tuted authorities and people of Virginia, than to the General 
who was honoured with the chief military command. I have 
the liveliest recollection of all the scenes of my services in this 
State, and of all the men with whom it was my happiness and 
honour to serve — and happy as I was to assist and witness the 
accomplishment of American liberty and independence, I huve 
been yet happier in the assurance that the blessings which have 
flowed from that great event, have exceeded the fondest and 
most sanguine expectations." 

The procession formed, and the " Nation's Guest," in an 
elegant barouche, drawn by four beautiful gray horses, moved 
up into the town. The General dined with a select company 
of some 20 or 30, consisting of the revolutionary officers, &.c. 
At night, some transparencies were exhibited over the door of 
his house, and under the Richmond marquee. 

On this day, Monday ISth, the reception was purely civic, 
not a soldier appeared under arms. But on the 19th the mili- 
tary spectacle was imposing and brilliant. Soon after break- 
fast, Lafayette walked from his quarters, to the tmt of Washing- 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 479 

ion surrounded by the Committee of Arrangements and others. 
Numbers were then introduced to him — many ladies, the ve- 
teran soldiers of the revolution, citizens from other states, and 
all quarters of Virginia. The classic ground of York-Town was 
converted into a camp ; and the harbour was filled with vessels, 
steam-boats, &tc. In the midst of the camp the tent of Wash' 
ington had a conspicuous situation, near the house where its 
illustrious owner had his Head Quarters in 1782. — To this the 
General repaired, and received the visits of the Ladies, stran- 
gers, he. — after which he was introduced to Colonel Wm. I. 
Lewis, of Campbell, who delivered an address suitable to the oc- 
casion. * 

Leaving this he passed under a splendid triumphal arch, 
erected on the spot where once stood the redoubt, which La- 
fayette stormed, and which bore the names of Lafayette, Ha- 
milton, and Laurens. The other redoubt stormed by the French 
troops, bore an Obelisk, bearing the names of Viomenil, Du- 
pont, Dumas, De Novilles, Rochambeau, and De Grasse. On 
every part of the battle ground were to be found balls, shells, 
and fragments of bombs, the interesting evidences of the ardour 
and peril with which the capture of York was characterized. 
— The General, in his splendid barouche, accompanied by the 
Governor of Virginia, Chief Justice Marshal, and Mr. Secre- 
tary Calhoun, proceeded to the arch, where he was received 
by General Taylor, and addressed as follows : — 

" General — On behalf of my comrades, I bid you welcome. 
They come to greet you, with no pageantry, intended to sur- 
prise by its novelty, or dazzle by hs splendour. But they bring 
you. General, an offering which wealth could not purchase, nor 
power constrain. On this day, associated with so many thrilling 
recollections ; on this spot, consecrated by successful valour, 
they come to offer you this willing homage of their hearts. 

" Judge, General, of their feelings at this moment by your 
own. Every thing around them speaks alike to their senses and 
sensibilities. These plains, where the peaceful ploughshai'e 
has not yet effaced the traces of military operations ; these half 
decayed ramparts, this ruined village, in which the bomb's havoc 
is still every where visible, tell us of past warfare : and remind 
us of that long, arduous, and doubtful struggle, on the issue of 
which depended the emancipation of our country. 

" On yonder hillock, the last scene of blood was closed by 
the surrender of an army ; and the liberty of our nation per- 



480 THE TOUR OF 

manently secured. With what resistless eloquence does it per- 
suade our gratitude and admiration for the gallant heroes, to 
whose noble exertions we owe the countless blessings which pur 
free institutions have conferred upon us ? 

" The spot on which we stand, was once a redoubt occupied 
by our enemy. With how rapid a pencil does imagbation pre- 
sent the blooming chieftain, by whom it was wrested from his 
grasp. Can we be here, and forget that superior to the preju- 
dices which then enchained even noble minds, he perceived in 
the first and almost hopeless struggles of a distant and obscure 
colony, the movement of that moral power, which was destined 
to give a new direction ana character to political institutions, 
and to improve human happiness. Can we forget, that, deaf 
to the solicitations of power, of rank, and of pleasure, with 
a noble prodigality, he gave to our country his sword, his trea- 
sure, and the influence of his example. 

" And when in the aged warrior who stands before us, we 
recognise that youthful chieftain, with what rapidity does memo- 
ry retrace the incidents of his eventful life ? With what plea- 
sure do we see his manhood realize the promise of his youth ? In 
senates or in camps, in tlie palaces of kings, or in their dungeons, 
we behold the same erect and manly spirit. At one time tem- 
pering the licentiousness of popular feeling ; at another restrain- 
ing the extravagance of power, and always regardless of every 
thing but the great object of his life, the moral and political 
improvement of mankind. 

" General — In the brightest days of antiquity, no artificial 
stimulus of rank, or power, or wealth, was required to excite 
noble minds to acts of generous daring. A wreath of laurel, 
or of oak, was at once the proof and the reward of illustrious 
merit. For this, statesmen meditated, warriors bled, and elo- 
quence soared to its sublimest heights. The prize was invalu- 
able ; for, it was won only by merit. It detracted, however, 
somewhat from its worth, that it was conferred by the partiality 
of compatriots, and in the fervour of admiration, inspired by re- 
cent success. 

" Your life, General, illustrious throughout, in this also is 
distinguished. — Time, which dims the lustre of ordinary merit, 
has rendered yours more brilliant. After a lapse of nearly 
half a century, your triumph is decreed by die sons of those 
who witnessed your exploits. 

" Deign then. General, to accept the simple but expressive 



(iENERAL. LAFAYETTh'. 481 

token of their gratitude and admiration. Suffer their leader to 
place upon your veteran brow, the only crown it would not 
disdain to wear, the blended emblems of civic worth and mar- 
tial prowess. It will not pain you. General, to perceive some 
scattered sprigs of melancholy cypress, intermingled with the 
blended leaves of laurel and oak. Your heart would turn from 
us with generous indignation, if on an occasion like this, amid 
the joyous acclamations which greet you every where, were 
heard no sighs of grateful recollection for those gallant men who 
shared your battles, but do not, cannot, share your triumph. 
The wreath which our gratitude has woven, to testify our love 
for you, will lose nothing of its fragrance, or its verdure, though 
time hang upon its leaves some tears of pious recollection of 
the friend of your early youth : in war the avenger, in peace the 
father of his country. 

" In behalf then, of all the chivalry of Virginia ; on this^ 
redoubt, which his valour wrested from the enemy at the point \ 
of the bayonet ; I place on the head of Major General La- j 
fayette, this wreath of double triumph : — won by numerous and I 
illustrious acts of martial prowess, and by a life devoted to the j 
happiness of the human race. In their names, I proclaim him 
alike victorious in arms and acts of civil polity. In bannered 
fields, a hero — in civil life, the benefactor of mankind." 

Lafayette was deeply affected. There was a solemn earnest- 
ness in his manners, a touching sensibility in his whole counte- 
nance, which most deeply impressed every observer. Many 
. \i;e£it;;;-;all were moved.. When General Taylor had closed his 
address,Tie wasaHoutto fix the civic wreath upon the General's 
head . But the considerate veteran, always himself, always atten- 
tive to the slightest proprieties of word and action, caught the hover- 
ing wreath as it approached his brow, with his right hand, and re- 
spectfully bowing, dropped it to his side, when he thus replied : — 

" I most cordially thank you, my dear General, and your 
companions in arms, for your affectionate welcome, your kind 
recollections, and the flattering expressions of your friendship. 
Happy I am to receive them on these already ancient lines, 
where the united arms of America and France have been glo- 
riously engaged in a holy alliance, to support the rights of Ameri- 
can Independence, and the sacred principle of the sovereignty 
of the people. Happy also to be so welcomed on the particu- 
lar spot where my dear Light Infantry comrades acquired one 
of their honourable claims to public love and esteem. You 

61 



482 THE TOUK OB' 

know, Sir, that in this husiness of storming redoubts, with un- 
loaded arms and fixed bayonets, the merit of the deed is in the 
soldiers who execute it ; and to each of them, I am anxious to 
acknowledge their equal share of honour. Let me, however, 
with affection and gratitude, pay a special tribute to the gallant 
name of Hamilton, who commanded the attack, to the three 
field officers who seconded him, Gimat, Laurens, and Fish, the 
only surviving one, my friend now near me. In their name, 
my dear General, in the name of the Light Infantry, those we 
have lost, as well as those who survive, and only in common 
with them, I accept the crown with which you are pleased to 
honour us, and I offer you the return of the most grateful ac- 
knowledgments." 

The General was not apprized of the address or the offering 
of the wreath ; but with his never ceasing readiness he turned 
/round, and drawing Colonel Fish to the front, said, " Here, 
{half of this wreath belongs to yo2i." " No, Sir," replied the 
iCoIonel, " it is all your own." " Then," rejoined Lafayette, 
Iputting it into the Colonel's hand, " take it, and preserve it as 
wur common property.'''' The whole scene was strongly mark- 
ed with the moral sublime. 

After this ceremony, the line passed and paid the Guest 
military honours ; and the General then resumed his barouche, 
and the military, in line of march, took up the escort. On a 
platform and gallery erected on the field, were seated nearly 
1200 ladies, and by their presence, gave additional delight and 
splendour to the scene. — The General's attention was early ar- 
rested by this fair assemblage, and requesting the escort to halt, 
he directed the barouche to leave the line and drive up to the 
platform, where, stopping at intervals, he expressed the gratifica- 
tion and pleasure these marks of attention were peculiarly cal- 
culated to afford. He resumed his place in the line, amidst 
the cheerings of the citizens and strangers, and the waving of 
handkerchiefs, and the procession then escorted him to his 
quarters in the town. 

The dinner which followed was sumptuous, and the toasts 
were excellent. In the evening there was a splendid display 
of fire-works. 

On Wednesday, the 20th, the General partook of a miltary 
breakfast in the tent of Washington, where all the officers 
and soldiers in the field, were introduced. The most inte- 
resting of these interviews were with the soldiers of the revolu- 



(iEiVKKAL LAKAY'KTTK. 483 

tion. One of them advanced, seized the General hy the hand, 
exclaiming, " I was with you at York-Town. I entered yonder 
redoubt at your side. I too was at the side of the gallant De 
Kalb, your associate in arms, when he fell in the field." The 
tears streamed from the veteran's eyes j and Lafayette showed 
by his countenance the sympathy he felt. " Yes, my brave 
soldier, I am happy to have lived, to meet you once more." 

After a short time, Lafayette, respecting that inestimable 
spirit of equality which pervades all free institutions, went forth 
to salute the crowd of citizens who stood in the street. He was 
stationed at the gate, and the long line of gratified spectators 
passed by him. Each person seized his hand as he passed him. 
To all Lafayette extended some mark of kindness and consi- 
deration. The spectacle was deeply impressive. The variety 
of manners in the different spectators, was singularly striking. 
Some, as they approached, fixed their eyes on his face, and 
lingered after they had passed, as if to drink in the last ex- 
pression of its countenance. Others advanced with the deep- 
est feelings of awe, with their eyes cast upon the earth. 

General Lafayette, after the sublime scenes of York-Town 
were closed, visited Williamsburg, Norfolk, Petersburgh, and 
Richmond, by special invitations, where he was received with all 
that magnificent parade, and those splendid decorations, as well 
as civic feasts that have marked the whole progress of his tour, 
from his first landing upon the shores of America. The limits 
of this work will not admit of a particular detail. Suffice it to • 
say that the offerings of American hearts in this glorious cause, ; 
are every where the same, whether expressed by addresses, \ 
triumphal arches, military parades, civic feasts, splendid balls, I 
and illuminations, the smiles of the fair sex, or the sympa- | 
ihetic tear of the old heroes of the revolution. All these, and I 
much more that cannot be expressed, were displayed to their / 
full extent m Virginia. ' 

General Lafayette left Richmond on Tuesday, November 
2d, on a visit to his illustrious friend Mr. Jefferson, agreeable 
to invitation, and .arrived at Monticello on Thursday, Novem- 
ber 4th, where he was received by Mr. Jefferson in a most 
feeling and affectionate manner. They flew into the arras of 
each other, by a most cordial impulse, and remained locked iii 
a silent embrace for several minutes, before their feelings [ 
could find utterance. Language cannot express the affection- j 
ate salutations that followed. Mr. .Jefferson presented \\\s^ 



484 THE TOUR OF 

friend to his fiimily and friends, who all gave him a cordial and 
affectionate welcome. The whole scene was peculiarly inte- 
resting and touching. 

General Lafayette passed a week at Monticello, to enjoy the 
repose of that beautiful seat, under the courteous hospitality of 
his beloved friend, which also afforded him some leisure to re- 
ply to his numerous correspondents.* 

The General closed his most agreeable visit at Monticello ; 
took leave of that classic ground, and his ever dear and venera- 
ble friend, and departed for Montpelier, agreeable to his en- 
gagements, to meet the welcome congratulations of his much 
esteemed friend, Mr. Madison. Here he was also received 
with open arms, and made welcome to the bosom of a family, 
whose every heart cheered him with a most cordial reception. 
His visit at Montpelier, as at Monticello, was peculiarly inte- 
resting and gratifying, but his stay was necessarily short, on ac- 
count of his engagements to be at Washington. He tore him- 
self away from this happy family, and again commenced his 
journey for the seat of government, where he arrived on Tues- 
day, the 23d of November, and was received with the highest 
testimonials of affectionate respect. He dined with the Presi- 
dent on the same day, in company with the principal officers 
of the government and city. On Wednesday, he set out for 
Baltimore, accompanied by his Son and Secretary, the Hon. 
James Barbour, of Virginia, and other gentlemen of the first 
respectability. He was received at Baltimore with unabated 
cordiality ; attended the great Cattle Show, he. and was com- 
plimented with the delivery of tlie premiums. In the evening he 
attended the theatre, and returned the next day to Washington. 

Upon the return of General Lafayette to Washington, both 
Houses of Congress, upon the report of committees, specially 
appointed to recommend a suitable manner of receiving Gene- 
ral Lafayette, resolved as follows : — 

" In Senate Resolved, That the President of the Senate in- 
vite General Lafayette to take a seat in the Senate Chamber, 
agreeable to his wishes ; that the committee deliver the invita- 
tion to the General, and introduce him into the Senate Cham- 
ber, and that the members receive him standing." 

Upon the report of a special Committee, the House passed 
the following resolution : — 

* It is said that his unanswered letters exceeded 400. 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 485 

" Resolved, That General Lafayette be invited by the 
Committee to attend the House on Friday next, at 1 o'clock; 
and that he be introduced by the Committee, and received by 
the Members standing, and addressed by the Speaker in behalf 
of the House. 

" Committee of invitation to consist of 24 members, a re- 
presentation of each State." 

On Thursday, December 9th, at 1 o'clock. General La- 
fayette entered the Chamber of the Senate, accompanied by a 
Committee of that body. On entering the bar, Mr. Barbour, 
Chairman of the Committee, announced the presence of the 
General in the following words : " We introduce General La- 
fayette to the Senate of the United States ;" whereupon the 
President of the Senate and the Senators, rose from their seats, 
and the General advancing towards the Chair of the Senate, 
was invited by the President to take a seat prepared for him 
on the right of the Chair, 

Soon after the General was seated, Mr. Barbour moved that 
the Senate adjourn. 

Mr. Lloyd of Massachusetts concurred in the wish for the 
Senate to adjourn, to afford the Members an opportunity of 
paying their individual respects to General Lafayette. 

The Senate then adjourned, and the Senators individually, 
beginning with the President of the Senate, tendered him 
their respects, which were cordially and feelingly reciprocated. 

On Friday, December 10th, the House Resolved, "That a 
messenger be sent to the Senate of the United States, request- 
ing that body to attend in the Chamber of Representatives, this 
day, at 1 o'clock ; seats were ordered for the Senate, and that 
body shortly after entered, and took their seats accordingly. 

At 1 o'clock, according to previous arrangement. General 
Lafayette appeared, attended by the committee of 24 members 
of the House of Representatives, and was introduced to the 
House by Mr. Mitchell, Chairman of the Committee. 

On the General's entry, the members and persons admitted 
on the floor of the House, rose, and remained standing, unco- 
vered. 

Mr. Speaker then rose, and, in behalf of the House, ad- 
dressed the Nation's Guest, in the following eloquent strain, 
adorned by those graces of oratory, for which he is distinguish- 
ed :— 

" General — The House of Representatives of the United 



486 THE TOUR OF 

States, impelled alike by its own feelings, and by those of the 
whole American people, could not have assigned to me a more 
gratifying duty, than that of being its organ to present to you 
cordial congratulations upon the occasion of your recent arrival 
in the United States, in compliance with tlie wishes of Con- 
gress, and to assure you of the very high satisfaction which 
your presence affords on this early theatre of your glory and re- 
nown. Although but kw of the members who compose this 
body, shared with you in the war of the Revolution, all have a 
knowledge, from impartial history, or from faithful tradition, of the 
perils, the sufferings, and the sacrifices, which you have volun- 
tarily encountered, and the signal services in America and in 
Europe, which you performed for an infant, a distant, and an 
alien people ; and all feel and own the very great extent of the 
obligations under which you have placed our country. But 
the relations in which you have ever stood to the United States, 
interesting and important as they have been, do not constitute 
the only motive of the respect and admiration which this House 
entertains for you. Your consistency of charact£x> yguruni- 
form_ devo tion to regulated liberty, m "aTTtT ie^cissitudes oPa 
long and arduous life, also commands its "Highest admiration. 
During all the recent convulsions of Europe, amidst, as after the 
dispersion of, every political storm, the people of the United 
States have ever beheld you true to your old principles, firm 
and erect, cheering and animating, with your well known voice, 
the votaries of liberty, its faithful and fearless champion, ready 
to shed the last drop of that blood, which here you so freely 
and nobly spilt in the same holy cause. 

" The vain wish has been sometimes indulged, that Provi- 
dence would allow the Patriot, after death, to return to his 
country, and to contemplate the intermediate changes which had 
taken place — to view the forests felled, the cities built, the 
mountains levelled, the canals cut, the highways constructed, 
the progress of the arts, the advancement of learning, and the 
increase of population. General, your present visit to the United 

/ States is the realization of the consoling object of that wish. 

V,You are in the midst of posterity ! Every where you must 
have been struck with the great changes, physical and moral, 
which have occurred since you left us. Even this very city, 
bearing a venerated name, alike endeared to you and to us, has 
since emerged from the forest which then covered its site. In 
one respect, you behold us unaltered, and that is in this senti- 



GENEKAL LAFAYETTE. 487 

ment oi" continued devotion to liberty, and of ardent affection 
and profound gratitude to your departed friend, the father of his 
country, and to your illustrious associates, in the field and in the 
Cabinet, for the multiplied blessings which surround us, and for 
the very privilege of addressing you, which I now exercise. 
This sentiment, now fondly cherished by more than ten millions 
of people, will be transmitted, with unabated vigour, down the 
tide of time, through the countless millions who are destined to 
inhabit this continent, to the latest posterity." 

To which address, General Lafayette replied, in a tone in 
which energy of character and sensibility of feeling were most 
interestingly blended, to the following eifect : — 

"Mr. Speaker, and 

" Gentlemen of the House of Representatives : — 

" While the people of the United States, and their honoura- 
ble Representatives in Congress have deigned to make choice 
of me, one of the American veterans, to signify in his person, 
their esteem for our joint services and their attachment to the 
prmciples for which we have had the honour to fight and bleed, 
I am proud and happy to share those extraordinary favours with 
my dear revolutionary companions — yet, it would be, on my 
part, uncandid and ungrateful not to acknowledge my personal 
share in those testimonies of kindness, as they excite in my 
breast emotions which no adequate words could express. 

" My obligations to the United States, Sir, far exceed any ■ 
merit I might claim. They date from the time when I had the i 
happiness to be adopted as a young soldier, a favoured son of 
America. — They have been continued to me during almost half 
a century of constant affection and confidence, and now. Sir, 
thanks to your most gratifying invitation, I find myself greeted 
by a series of welcomes, one hour of which would more than 
compensate for the public exertions and sufferings of a whole life. > 

"The approbation of the American people and their Repre- 
sentatives, for my conduct during the vicissitudes of the Euro- 
pean Revolution, is the highest reward I could receive. Well 
may I stand, " firm and erect," when, in their names, and 
by you, Mr. Speaker,! am declared to have, in every instance, 
been faithful to those American principles of liberty, equality, 
and true social order, the devotion to which, as it has been 
from my earliest youth, so shall it continue to be to my latest 
breath. 

" You have been pleased, Mr. Speaker, to allude to the pe- 



488 THE TOUR OF 

culiar felicity of my situation, when, after so long an absence, 
I am called to witness the immense improvements, the admira- 
ble communications, the prodigious creations of which we find 
an example in this city, whose name itself is a venerated palla- 
dium ; in a word, all the grandeur and prosperity of these hap\ 
py United States, which, at the same time they nobly secure 
the complete assertion of American Independence, reflect on 
every part of the world the light of a far superior political 
civilization. 

" What better pledge can be given of a persevering national 
love of liberty, when those blessings are evidently the result of 
a virtuous resistance to oppression, and the institutions founded 
on the rights of man and the Republican principle of self-go- 
vernment. No, Mr. Speaker, posterity has not begun for me 
— since in the sons of my companions and friends, I find the 
same public feelings, and permit me to add, the same feelings 
in my behalf, which I have had the happiness to experience in 
their fathers. 

" Sir, I have been allowed, forty years ago, before a Com- 
mittee of a Congress of thirteen States, to express the fond 
wishes of an American heart. — On this day I have the honour, 
and enjoy the delight, to congratulate the Representatives of 
the Union, so vastly enlarged, on the realization of those wishes, 
even beyond every human expectation, and upon the almost 
-infinite prospects we can with certainty anticipate. 

" Permit me, Mr. Speaker, and gentlemen of the House of 
Representatives, to join, to the expression of those sentiments, a 
tribute of my lively gratitude, affectionate devotion, and pro- 
found respect." 

After the General and the Members had resumed their seats, 
and a short pause ensued, Mr. Mitchell, the organ of the Com- 
mittee of reception, moved an adjournment. 

The motion was agreed to, and the House was adjourned 
to Monday. 

The Speaker then descended from the Chair, and most 
affectionately saluted the General. His example was follow- 
ed by the Members of the House, individually, and some 
tuTie was spent in this agreeable manner before the General 
retired. 

The sublime and touching realities of this whole scene sur- 
pass the powers of imagination ; every eye, every ear, and 
every heart, were wholly engrossed by the magnitude of the 



GENEllAL LAFAYETTE. 489 

object before them. Nothing is to be found in the whole fieldN 
of Grecian or Roman story, as a parallel to this. Of all the > 
proud triumphs through which the veteran hero has passed • 
since he first landed upon the shores of America, this was not 
only the most glorious, but must have been the most interesting 
to his feelings. ^ 

The scene in the Senate was not less interesting and impo^ 
ing than that of the House ; and it is well understood, that 
General Lafayette is the only jmblic character that has ever 
been received by the Senate of the United States. This vir 
gin honour was reserved for the man who vv^as truly the most; 
deserving. 1/ 

On Monday, December 20th, Mr. Hayne, from the com- 
mittee to whom was referred the subject of making provision 
for General Lafayette, reported to the senate a bill, providing, 
that the sum of 200,000 dollars be granted to Major General 
Lafayette ; also, one complete and entire township of land, to 
be located upon any of the public lands that remain unsold. 

On Tuesday, December 21st, this bill passed the Senate, and 
on Wednesday, December 22d, the bill passed the House of 
Representatives. 

Some slight objections were made to the bill while under 
discussion in Congress, which were remarks by way of inquiry 
for information, rather than serious opposition, which led one of 
the members, in a conversation with General Lafayette, to offer 
a delicate apology ; but the General with great naivete inter- 
rupted him, by adding — " / too, Sir, am of the opposition. The 
gift is so munificent, so far exceeding the services of the in- 
dividual, that had I been a member of Congress, I must have 
voted against it." 



CIIAFTER Z V. 

A SUMMARY OF THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN TOUR OF 
GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 

General Lafayette commenced his tour from WasWngton, 
through the southern and western states, about the first of March. 
In his course he visited the principal towns in the states of North 
and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, 

62 



490 THE TOUK OF 

Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky,* Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. 
He visited Pittsburg, and returned to Albany, by the way of 
Buffalo and the western canal. From Albany he proceeded 
directly to Boston, through Springfield, where he arrived on the 
16th of June. 

The author regrets extremely that the limits of this work 
will not permit him to give a particular description of the in- 
teresting scenes that awaited the General throughout this whole 
tour. It must, however, be remembered, that descriptions of 
scenes the most interesting, of feelings the most sublime and 
touching, and of characters the most exalted, lose theirintended 
effect, by being too minutely dwelt upon, or too often repeated, 
and become irksome and tedious. A general sameness ne- 
cessarily prevails throughout the whole ; as in the Atlantic so 
in the western tour of General Lafayette, all classes of citizens 
vied with each other in expressing the grateful emotions of their 
hearts to the guest of the nation, the veteran hero, and the pa- 
triot benefactor of America. 

The orators of the country, the surviving heroes of the r,e- 
/ volution, the patriots, and sages, the fair daughters of Columbia, 

* Extract of a letter from General Lafayette to a gentleman of 
» Philadelphia, dated 

Louisville, May 12. 

'•In the night of the 8th and 9th inst. we ran foul of a snag, which lay 
concealed two feet under water, and so well infdaded our steam-boat, that 
it pierced through our upper deck, and sunk the boat in a few minutes. 
We had time, however, to coine out of the ladies' cabin, before the water 
had penetrated through the partition, and all landed safely without any 
life being lost. The Paragon, which was descending the river in the 
morning, was good enough to take us on board and bring us to tliis place. 
This accident is not imputable to any one ; the conduct of the captain of 
the Mechanic was such as to entitle him to the thanks which you will see 
in the St. Louis Gazette. 

" You will find in another part of that newspaper, an error, which I wish 
much to be corrected. It is, that 1 have only lost my carriage and my hat ; 
the latter was most obligingly replaced by a manufacturer of Louisville. 
But amongst the lost trunks is that which contained all the papers which 
I had preserved during my journey — all my letters to be answered — and a 
great number of answers which I had prepared during twelve days naviga- 
tion. This loss throws all my correspondence into confusion — I have not 
saved a single memorandum — and as to every thing anterior to the ship- 
wreck, I must rely on the indulgence of my friends. [One of the trunks 
has since been found and is on the way to its owner.] 

" I expect to be on the 28th or 20th of this month at Pittsburg, and 
arrive at Boston on the 16th of June, by the way of Albany. I hope to be 
at New-York on the 4th of July, tiience go to Washington, taking Phila- 
delphia in my way, to take leave of several respected friends, and embark 
for France on the 1.5th of August." 



(iKxNKKAL LAIAVETTK. 491 

with their numerous ofrsprnig, and the whole mass of citizens, 
all with one acclaim welcomed the man whom their united 
hearts delight to honour. The same military parades, civic feasts, 
cordial and affectionate addresses, triumphal arches, splendid 
balls, and soldiers tears, that showed the joys of kindred souls, 
greeted the arrival of Lafayette in every place he visited, 
throughout this extensive route, from Washington to Charles- 
ton, to New-Orleans, to St. Louis, to Cincinnati, to Pittsburg, 
to Buffalo, to Albany, and to Boston, a distance of more than 
4000 miles. ', 

These were not the momentary triumphs of a conquel'or, \ 
who returns flushed with some recent victory ; but the tri- 
umphs of the hearts of other generations, who rise up to bless 
the patriot hero of their country, who took their fathers by the 
hand, led them to victory and glory ; and when he had given 
them an exalted rank among the nations of the earth, stepped ( 
aside, and left them to pursue their enjoyments of freedom, \ 
happiness, and honour. Again, after a lapse of nearly fifty ' 
years, he comes, at the united voice of more than 10,000,000 
of people, as free, as happy, and as independent, as the nature 
of man can possibly become, to receive the welcome plaudits 
of the nation. 

More than 3000 miles of the western tour of General La-' 
fayette were a pathless desert when he last visited America ; \ 
now they can proudly boast of nine new and valuable states, \ 
covered with rich and flourishing cities, towns, and villages ; 1 
possessing a free, a virtuous, and an intelligent population ; 
richly enjoying all that is essential to the happiness of man. 
Throughout this vast interior, the forests have bowed to the 
axe of die wood-man, cities, towns, and villages, roads, canals, 
manufactures, commerce, and the arts and sciences, have risen 
into being, as by the wand of the magician ; and the all-pro- , 
pelling power of steam has greatly facilitated the social and 
commercial intercourse throughout the vast circuit of this west- 
ern route. 

The changes fln-oughout the eastern or Atlantic tour, in a 
period of forty or fifty years, far surpass every thing of the 
kind, either in ancient or modern story, and must have been 
almost incredible to the patriot hero ; but the changes of the 
west are far greater, and must have appeared to him like so 
much of the section of a new creation. The sublime realities 
of this whole scene, when taken collectively, surpass the 



492 THE TOUR OF 

powers of the pen or the pencil, and are vast beyond the 
stretch of imagination. 



RECEPTION OF GENERAL LAFAYETTE BY THE LEGISLATURE OF 
MASSACHUSETTS PROCEEDINGS AT BUNKER HILL. 

On Thursday, June 16th, General Lafayette, agreeable to 
invitation, met the Governor and Council, the Senate and 
House of Representatives, in tlie Representative Chamber. 
The several branches of the government being assembled, he 
was introduced by a committee, and seated by the side of the 
Governor, by the Speaker's desk. The Governor tlien rose 
and made the following address : — 

" General Lafayette, 

" The immediate Representatives of the people of Massa- 
chusetts, in the Executive and Legislative departments of the 
government, have assembled on this occasion to offer you their 
cordial congratulations, on your return in health and safety to 
the capital of this Commonwealth, and in the name of their 
constituents, to repeat to you the assurance of respectful and 
affectionate interest, with which they shall ever regard your 
presence among them. 

" Your arrival in the country, on this happy visit to your 
American brethren, was greeted by them with expressions of 
the liveliest satisfaction and joy. Your own observation since, 
will bear faithful witness how true are their hearts to the lan- 
guage of salutation, with which they first welcomed you. The 
population which has crowded your path-way, the prosperity 
which has smiled along your progress, in your tour through the 
Union, are but the fruits of events in which you largely and 
gloriously participated. The remembrance of your early sacri- 
fices in the cause of this country, has excited the deepest sense 
of public obligation, and the breasts of millions of freemen 
will never cease to swell with gratitude, in the recognition of 
your services, most generously and effectually rendered to an 
oppressed and suffering people. A nation just to itself cannor\ 
I be indifferent to the fame of its benefactors, and while liberty 1 
\is dear to the enjoyment of Americans, the names of those/ 



^ GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 493 

who fought in its defence will be associated with every memo- 
fial of the scenes through which it became triumphant. 

" In offering to you, General, the congratulations of the Go- 
vernment, upon your present visit, I have the highest personal 
gratification, in further executing the pleasure of the Legislature, 
by tendering to you the hospitalities of the Commonwealth 
during its continuance." , 

To which General Lafayette made the following reply : — 

" Sir — The honour conferied upon me by the immediate 
Representatives of the State of Massachusetts, in the Executive 
and Legislative branches, at the same time it fills my heart 
with the most lively, and the deepest sentiments of gratitude, 
recalls to my mind recollections equally grateful and endearing ; 
and while I am so kindly welcomed by your Excellency, in this 
splendid State-House, I remember the remote times when similar 
favours have been received on the floor of Faneuil Hall — the 
consecrated cradle of American, and I hope, of universal liberty. 

" In the long and happy series of visits through the several 
parts of the Union, to which you have been pleased to allude, 
Bunker Hill has ever been my polar star ; and I now rejoice 
to be arrived in time to join, on the grand half century jubilee, 
with my companions in arms, as being together the representatives 
of the early and unshaken devotion of our revolutionary army 
— of the patriotic wishes of such of us as are still on this land 
^-of the dying prayers of those who are no more ; and permit 
me here. Sir, most deeply to mourn the recent loss of my two 
friends, your respected Predecessors, who had so heartily 
joined in the late welcome, I have had the happiness after a long 
absence, to receive from the people of this State, and in this 
beloved city of Boston, which I never entered without feeling 
the warmest emotions of affection and gratitude. 

" While I have continually to admire the rapid wonders of 
creation and improvement, that have been the result of indepen- 
dence, freedom, and those republican institutions, which alone 
are equal to support the weight, and display the faculties of an 
extensive empire, I have particularly delighted in the sentiments 
of fellow feelings, and mutual affection, whereby the people of 
every part of the confederacy are strongly attached to an union, 
on which resides the safety of these states, and the hopes of 
mankind. 

" I beg. Sir, the gentlemen of the two houses of the legisla- 



494 THE TOUR OF 

ture, and your Excellency, to accept my respectful thanks, and 
cordial devotion." 

The General was then introduced by the Governor to the 
members of the Council severally, and by the presiding officers 
of the two other boards, to the several members who came for- 
ward to pay their respects to him. 

BUNKER HILL MONUMENT. 

The celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the memora- 
ble battle on Bunker Hill, and the ceremony of laying the 
Foundation Stone of an OBELISK to commemorate that great 
event, took place on the 17th of June. 

The day was temperate and fair ; — and all the arrangements 
made to honour it, were executed with a punctuahty and good 
order, which could only be effected by the entire union of all 
the hearts and hands in the ceremonies. 

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, having been requested 
to assist on the occasion, assembled at an early hour in the 
morning at their Hall, and soon after were visited by their illus- 
trious Brother, General Lafayette, and their respected brothers 
George Washington Lafayette and Le VasSeur. The meeting 
was most interesting. After the fraternal greeting of Grand 
Master Abbot, the distinguished Guest expressed the great 
pleasure he felt in meeting his brethren in the beloved city of 
Boston, on the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill, and 
in the Grand Lodge, whose first Grand Master had, in the true 
spirit of a Mason, shed his blood in defence of the liberties and 
institutions of his country, on that ever memorable occasion. 
The assemblage of the fraternity was very numerous. The 
Grand Lodges of Maine, New-Hampshire, Rhode-Island, Con- 
necticut, Vermont, and New-Jersey, were represented by their 
Grand Masters, or other distinguished members ; and the Grand 
Royal Arch Chapters of several States, by their Grand High 
Priests, and other officers. The distinguished Visiter was at- 
tended from and to his residence at Mr. Lloyd's, by a deputa- 
tion composed of past Grand Masters and Deputies. 

The Grand Procession was formed near the State House 
with the utmost precision and regularity, under the superin- 
tending direction of Brigadier General Lyman, assisted by a 
staff, composed of Majors Brimmer and Aspinwall of Boston, 
Major Edwards of Brighton, Captains Sprague of Salem, Ford 



GENEKAL LAFAYETTE. 495 

of Milton, Talbot of Dedham, and Young of Charlestown, 
Lieutenant Baxter, and Ensign Gardner, of Boston. 

The Military Escort was composed of sixteen companies, 
and a corps of cavalry commanded by Lieutenant Parker, all 
volunteers, and in full uniform. 

Survivors of the Battle. — Those worthies were in eight 
barouches and carriages, and were about forty in number. — 
Each wearing on his breast a badge, " Bunker Hill, June 17, 
1775," and many bearing the implements of war they used in 
the tight. 

Then followed between one and two hundred Revolution- 
ary Officers and Soldiers, each bearing an appropriate badge. 
Their apjjearance was truly venerable. 

The Bunker Hill Monument Association, in full numbers, 
six deep, all wearing the badges, " B. H. M. A." 

The Masonic Procession succeeded. — This section of the 
Procession was very splendid, and exceeded two thousand of 
the fraternity, with all their jewels and regalia. The Grand 
Lodge of Massachusetts was fully organized, and bore the im- 
plements and vessels used in laying the foundations of ancient 
edifices. They were followed by the Grand Encampments 
of the Knights Templars of Rhode-Island, Connecticut, 
Vermont, Maine, New-Hampshire, and Massachusetts, in full 
numbers with their banners, implements, and regalia ; by the 
Grand Lodges of the above States ; by the Grand Chapters 
of Royal Arch Masons, and by various subordinate Chapters 
and Lodges, bearing banners. A full band of music was at- 
tached to the Masonic procession. Of the regalia of the Grand 
Lodge, was a gold Urn, borne by the Deputy Grand Master, 
containing a relic of our departed Brother George Washington. 

Hon. Mr. Webster, President, and other officers of the 
B. H. M. Association. 

The Rev. Dr. Kirkland, the Rev. Mr. Thaxter, (a Revolution- 
ary Chaplain,) and the Rev. Mr. Walker, Chaplains of 
the day. 

Directors and Committees of the Association. 

General Lafayette, in a coach and four, accompanied by Lieu- 
tenant General Lallemand, of Philadelphia. 

Mr. George Washington Lafayette and the General's suite in 
a carriage. 



496 THE TOUR Of 

His Excellency the Governor. 

The Hon. Council, Senate, and House of RepresentativeSj 
accompanied by tlie Adjutant-General, Secretary, 
Treasurer, &,c. 

Governor Fenner, the Secretary of War of the United States, 
and others. 

Delegations from the various States. 

Delegation from the Pilgrim Society in Plymouth. 

Officers of the United States Navy and Army, and the Military 
in uniform. 

Citizens. 

In this order the whole proceeded from the State-House, about 
half past 10, and passed through Park, Common, School, Wash- 
ington, Union, Hanover, and Prince-streets, to Charlestovvn 
River Bridge, and from thence through Maine, Green, and 
High-streets, in Charlestovvn, to the Monumental square. The 
front of the procession had nearly reached the bridge when the 
rear of it left the Common. 

All the streets, the houses to their roofs, and in some instan- 
ces to chimney-tops, and every situation on which a footing 
could be obtained for a prospect of the procession, were filled 
with a condensed mass of well dressed, cheerful looking per- 
sons, of all sexes and denominations, many of whom had oc- 
cupied their stations for several hours ; and who, at appropriate 
places, spontaneously rent the air with joyous and orderly ac- 
clamations, while the Ladies displayed their tokens of smiles, 
and waving handkerchiefs, as the procession passed, particularly 
when the Guest was in sight. 

Arrived at the Monument spot, the various sections of the 
procession formed a square around it ; when the Grand Master 
of Massachusetts, accompanied by General Lafayette, Presi- 
dent Webster, the Past Grand Masters, the District Deputy 
Grand Master, bearing the Architectural Implements, the Grand 
Wardens, bearing the Corn, Wine, and Oil, in vases, the Grand 
Chaplam, Grand Treasurer, and Principal Architect, repaired 
around the foundation stone, which having been squared, level- 
led, and plumbed, by the Grand Master, Brother Fayette, and 
Mr. Webster, and declared to be true and proper, the following 
deposits were made in the cavity of the Stone : — 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 497 

1. The official account of the battle of Bunker Hill, by the 
Provincial Congress of Massachusetts Bay. 

2. Official account by Genera! Gage. ^Both written on 
parchment, and presented by Mr. John F. Eliot.] 

3. All the printed accounts of the battle, viz. by Samuel 
Sweet, by H. Dearborn, Major General U. S. A. — and by a 
Bostonian, (Alden Bradford, Esq.) 

4. Plan of the battle, and a plan of Charlestown. 

5. Circular Letter of Bunker Hill Monument Association, 
by Edward Everett. 

6. Address of Bunker Hill Monument Association, by Wil- 
liam Sullivan. 

7. Account of the battle of Lexington in an address delivered 
at Concord, by Edward Everett. 

8. Life of Josiah Quincy, jun. containing letters and fac 
shnilies of the writings of revolutionary characters. 

9. Coins of the United States. 

10. Jlfet?a?5 of distinguished persons connected with America, 
presented by the Hon. Thomas L, Winthrop. The Medals 
bore the following inscriptions, viz. 

Comitia Americana 

GEORGIO WASHINGTON, 

Supremo Duci Exercituum, Adsertori Libertatis. Hostibus Primo 

Fugatis ; Bostonia Recuperatas, 

xvii. Martii MDCCLXXVI. 

BENJ. FRANKLIN, 

Natus Boston, xvii. Jan. MDCCVI 

"Eripuit Coelo Fulmen, Sceptrumque Tyrannis." 

CHRISTOPHORUS COLUMBUS, 

Natus An. MCCCCXLII. Cogureti ad Gennam, Obiit in Valle 

Oleti, Apud Hispanos, 

An. MDVI. 

Comitia Americana 

GULIELMO WASHINGTON, 

Legionis Equit : Prafecto. 

Qui parva militum manu strenue prosecutus hostes, virtutis ingenitse 

prsBclarum specimen dedit, in Piigna ad Cowpens, 

xvii. Jan. MDCCLXXVI. 

Comitia Americana 

JOH. EGAR HOWARD, 

Legionii Peditum Prafecto. 

Qui in nutantem hostiura aciem subito irruens, praeclarum bellieae 

virtutis specimen dedit, in Pugna ad Cowpens, 

xvii. Jan. MDCCLXXXI. 

63 



498 THE TOLR OF 

THADDEUS KOSCIUSZKO, 

Natus An. MDCCXLVI. Siechuowier Ducat LithaiiiE inPolonia 

Obiit An. MDCCCXVII. 

Comitia Americana 

JOANNI PAVLO JONES, 

Prcefccto Classis. 

Hostium Nivibus Captis aut Fygsetis ad oram Sevtise, 

xxii. Sept. MDCCLXXVIII. 

11. A fragment of ihe Plymouth Rock. 

12. One of each of the newspapers of the week. 

13. Specimens of Old Continental JWoney, presented by 
Messrs. Lemuel Blake and Ebenezer Clough, and by Major 
Bass. 

1 4. The Silver Plate, twelve by eight inches, bearing the ' 
following 

INSCRIPTION. 

" On the XVII. day of June, MDCCCXXV. at the request of the 
Bunker Hill Monument Association, the Most Worshiptiii Juhn JlJjhot, 
Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, did, in the presence of Gene- 
ral Lafayette, lay this corner-stone of a Monument to testify the gratitude 
of the present generation to their Fathers, who, on the 17th of June, 1775, 
here fought in the cause of their country, and of free institutions, the me- 
morable Battle of Bunker Hill, and with their blood vindicated for their 
posterity the privileges and happiness this land has since enjoyed. Offi- 
cers of the Bunker Hill Monument Association. President, Daniel Web- 
ster ; Vice-Presidents, Thomas H. Perkins, Joseph Story ; Secretary, Ed- 
ward Everett ; Treasurer, Nathaniel P. Russell. Directors, — Nathan Ap- 
pleton, Loammi Baldwin, George Blake, Isaac P. Davis, Henry A. S. 
Dearborn, Franklin Dexter, Benjamin Gorham, Samuel D. Harris, Seth 
Knowles, Amos Lawrence, Theodore L3mian, jun. David L. Morrill, Francis 
J. Oliver, William Prescott, Daniel Putnam, Jesse Putnam, David Sears, 
Nathaniel Silsbee, William Sullivan, Samuel Sweet, George TicknoR 
William Tudor, John Wells, Oliver Wolcott, John G. Warren. Standini 
committees for collecting subscriptions, — Henry A. S. Dearborn, John C. 
Warren, Edward Everett, George Blake, and Samuel D. Harris. Com- 
mittee on the form of the Monument, — Daniel Webster, L. Baldwin, G, 
Stuart, Washington Alston, and G. Ticknor. 

President of the United States, John Quincy Adams. Governor of Massar 
chusetts, Levi Lincoln. Governor of New-Hampshire, David L. Morrili 
Governor of Connecticut, Oliver Wolcott. Governor of Vermont, C. P. 
Van Ness. Governor of Rhode-Island, James Fenner. Governor of 
Maine, Albion K. Parris. Alexander Parris, Architect." 

These articles were deposited in a leaden box, and covered 
with melted wax ; — the top of the box being soldered and se- 
cured. — This was put in another leaden box, somewhat larger ; 
the interstice filled with pitch, and the box hermetically secured. 
Thus prepared, it was placed on a large fragment of granite, and 
the Corner-Stone, having an excavation adapted to the box, 
was lowered, by operative Masons, over it, so as to receive it, 



(iEXERAL LAFAYETTK. 499 

and was then strongly fastened by iron clamps to the subjacent 
granite. 

The Grand Chaplain, the R. W. Br. Allen, of Chelmsford, 
then pronounced a benediction ; the Grand Master strewed the 
Corn, Wine, and Oil, and delivered the implements of Archi- 
tecture to the Master Builder, with orders to erect the Monu- 
ment on the true principles of Masonry, to which the Architect 
made the following reply : — 

Most Worshipful Grand Master — I receive from your hands 
these implements of science and labour, belonging to my craft 
and profession, with feelings of great personal diffidence, but still 
in tlie strongest confidence and faith that such is the triumphant 
spirit of the age, and such the numbers, ability, and power, of 
those who have ordered the craftsmen to commence building, 
that the work will go bravely on, and the fathers who have this 
day come up, resting each upon his staff, to see you lay the 
Corner- Stone, will live long enough to witness the dedication 
at the completion of the structure. 

The benediction being repeated, the Grand Master pro- 
nounced the ceremonies ended. 

The procession, which was inside the lines, then cheered, 
and salutes were fired on Bunker Hill by the Charlestown Ar- 
tillery, Captain Sanders, and on Copps Hill in Boston, by the 
Sea Fencibles, commanded by Lieut. Lewis. 

The procession then moved to an amphitheatrical area,where 
accommodations had been made on a most ample scale, for the 
accommodation of the auditors of the address of the President 
of the Association. They included a large portion of the 
north-eastern declivity of the battle hill. In the centre of the 
base, a rural ai'ch and bower, surmounted by the American 
Eagle, was formed for the government of the Association, and 
some of the Guests, in front of which, after the venerable Mr. 
Thaxter had addressed the Throne of Grace, the Orator, suh 
ccelo, pronounced an Address, which none but its author is ca- 
pable of doing justice to in a summary, and which will be printed 
and read with a pleasure equalled only by that which electrified 
the vast assemblage who listened to it for nearly one hour and 
a quarter. It is enough for us to say, that it was in every par- 
ticular worthy of the celebrity of the orator ; and that his address 
to the silver-headed worthies of the Revolution, and to the dis- 
tinguished Guest of the Nation, filled every heart with trans- 
port. On each side of the bower, seats with awnings, had 



500 



THE TOUR OF 



been prepaj-ed, and were filled by more than one thousand 
ladies, from all parts of the Union, presenting a spectacle of 
animated beauty and intelligence, and offering a fine contrast 
to the other parts of the auditory. — The exercises commenced 
and closed with the following Hymns, sung by a powerful choirj 
to the two good old tunes. ' 

FIRST HYMN. 

By Rev. John Pierpont Tune " Old Hundred." 

O, is not this a holy spot ! 

'Tis the high place of Freedom's birth : — 
God of our Fathers ! is it not 
The holiest spot of all the earth ? 

Quenched is thy flame on Horeb's side ; 

The robber roams o'er Sinai now ; 
And those old men, thy seers, abide 

No more on Zion's mournful brow. 

But on this hill thou. Lord, has dwelt, 

Since round its head the war-cloud curled, 
And wrapped our fathers, where they knelt 

In prayer and battle for a world. 

Here sleeps their dust ; 'tis holy ground, 

And we, the children of the brave, 
From thy four winds are gathered round, 

To lay our offering on tiieir grave. 

Free as the winds around us blow, 

Free as yon waves below us spread , 
We rear a pile, that long shall throw 

Its shadow on their sacred bed. 

But on their deeds no shame shall fall, 

While o'er their couch thy sun shall flame : 
Thine ear was bowed to hear their call, 

And thy right hand shaJl guard their fame. 

SECOND HYMN. 

By Rev. James Flint Tune " St. Martins." 

O Glorious day ! that saw the array 

Of freemen in their might, . _ 

When here they stood, unused to blood, j ^ 

Yet dared th' unequal fight. j 

The sons are met to own the debt 

Due to their fathers' fame ; 
And here they place the column's base 

To bear their deathless name. 

"Tis not that here the victor's cheer 

Rung o'er the falling foe, — 
That earth here drank of many a rank^ 

Th' life-blood's gushing flow. 

The pledge here given to earth and heaven, 

Freemen to live or die — 
This gives their fame its sacred claim 
' To immortality. 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 501 

To God, who vvill'd a state to build, 

Based on the rights of man, 
Glory we give, who this day live 

To hail th" accomplished plan. 

The Guests and Subscribers to the dinner were then escorted 
to Bunker Hill, where an edifice, covering 38,400 square feet 
of ground, had been erected, and in which at twelve tables, run- 
ning its entire length, 400 feet, 4000 plates were laid, which 
were all occupied. A spacious gallery contained an excel- 
lent band of music ; and the following toasts, interspersed with 
songs, and martial airs, were announced by Mr. F. C. Whiston, 
amidst the most deafening bursts of applause. — The scene defies 
description ; and as much order prevailed, as was compatible 
with the festivity of the occasion and the magnitude of the com- 
pany. 

1st. The I7th of June 1775. — The marble may moulder ; 
but while a heart beats in an American's bosom, there will be 
a tablet from which the record of that day's glory shall never 
be effaced. 

An ODE.— -By Rufus Dawes, Esq. 

2d. The Militia. — What more than to name the spot whereon 
we stand, to proclaim its character to the world. Tune — " Yan- 
kee Doodle.^^ 

3d. The Committee of Safety. — The early guardians of our 
nation's rights ; fearless, as faithful in the execution of their 
trust. Tune — " Rise Columbia." 

4th. The Martyrs of Bunker Hill Battle. — We inhale the 
air they breathed ; we tread the ground they trod ; we surround 
the altar where their lives were offered ; we swear devotion to 
their cause ! — (drank standing.) 

An ODE. — By Thomas Wells, Esq. 

5th. Bunker Hill Monument. — Its proud summit shall 
brighten with the morning's first beam, and the evening's last 
ray ; it shall glow with a still richer and purer light in speaking 
their deeds who repose beneath it. 

An ODE. — By Dr. Percival. 

6th. The Survivers of Bunker Hill Battle. The gloom of 
that day may dwell on their recollection ; but in the brightness 
of this, they feel, that they fought under the auspices of Heaven. 
Tune — " Adams and Liberty.''^ 

[After the 6th regular toast the following sentiment was given 
and cordially received : — ] 



6U2 THE TOUR OF 

The Orator of the Day. — A statesman and patriot, who 
knows no party but his country, who feels no impulse but her 
welfare. 

7th. Lexington and Concord. — There the earnest was 
given, that a people, resolved to he free, can never be en- 
slaved ! Tune—" Old Soldier.'' 

8th. The President of the United States. — " Washington's 
March." 

9th. The Governor of the Commonwealth. — " Governor 
Brook's March." 

10th. The Continental Army. — Whom victory could not 
elate, whom defeat could not depress ; their cause their coun- 
try ; their trust their God ! 

An ODE. — By Reverend John Pierpont. 

11th. The Memory of Washington. Dirge. 

12th. The Continental Congress. — The embodied wisdom 
of the nation ; which wrought the freedom of one hemisphere, 
and promulgated the principles which will emancipate the other. 

13th. The Memory of Warren. — Associated with this 
occasion ; his name comes to us " as the gentle rain from 
Heaven, refreshing the place beneath." 

After the regular toasts the President of the Association said, 

He rose to propose a toast, in behalf of the Directors of the 
Association. Probably he was already anticipated, in the name 
which he should mention. It was well known, that the distinguish- 
ed personage near him, from the time when he first became ac- 
quainted with the object of the Association, had taken much 
interest in it, and had expressed an intention to be present at 
the ceremony of laying the Corner-Stone. This purpose he 
had kindly remembered, through the long course of his visits 
to the several States. It was not at all necessary to say — in- 
deed it could not be said — how much his presence had added 
to the interest and pleasure of the occasion. He should pro- 
ceed at once to the grateful duty which the Directors had en- 
joined on him, and propose to the company 

"Health and long life to General LAFAYETTE." 
On which General Lafayette rose, and thus expressed him- 
self:— 

Gentlemen — I will not longer trespass on your time than 
to thank you in the name of my Revolutionary companions in 
arms and myself for the testimonies of esteem and affection, I 
may say, of filial affection, which have been bestowed upon us 



GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 503 

on the memorable celebration of tiiis Anniversary day ; and to 
offer our fervent prayers for the preservation of that Republi- 
can freedom, equality, and self-government, that blessed union 
between the States of the confederacy for which we have fought 
and bled, and on which rest the hopes of mankind. Permit me 
to propose the following sentiment : — 

Bunker Hill, and the holy resistance to oppression which has 
already enfranchised the American hemisphere, — the next Half 
Century Jubilee's toast shall be — to Enfranchised Europe. 

By his Excellency the Governor. — That Monument, the base 
of which was laid in 1775 — the Column of American fame^ 
which time is strengthening to adamant, and raising with the 
spirits of those who laid it — to Heaven. 

By the Honourable James Barbour, Secretary of War. — 
Bunker Hill — favoured spot, consecrated by valour, by grati- 
tude, and by eloquence. 

By the Delegation of the Pilgrim Society. — ^The Arm raised 
on this Hill in the cause of human rights — and nobly sustained 
by the strength of the whole body. 

Thus passed this great and splendid celebration. Heaven 
seemed to smile upon the day ; and nature never wore a more 
delightful aspect. Upon this subject a Boston writer remarks : — 

" The human eye never opened on a more delightful morn- 
ing; not a cloud obscured the smallest portion of the firmament; 
and the seasonable showers of the day j)receding had brightened 
the emerald hue of the earth. The whole face of nature wore 
its loveliest aspect ; the flooring was spread with her richest 
variegated carpet ; the canopy was all azure and sunshine. The 
thousands of human beings, congregated to witness the specta- 
cle, seemed to inspire with the breathing atmosphere, compla- 
cency and delight ; and every face, whether it belonged to the 
feeble veteran of the silver lock, the manly soldier decorated 
with plume and sword, the inquisitive and admiring child, or to 
vi^oman, the still more interesting product of heavenly skill and 
goodness, every face beamed with gratulation, and reflected 
back the smile of the Creator." 

The Guest of the Nation had no vacant time during his late 
stay in Boston. — He forgets no one, and omits nothing, which 
he ought to remember or perform. After the arduous duties 
of Friday he passed the evening at a splendid party given by 
Mrs. Daniel Webster, in Summer-street. On Saturday he 
visited the venerable John Adams, at his seat in Quincy ; re- 



i-'^.- 



504 THE TOUR OF, kc. 

celved visiters at Mr. Lloyd's, where he dined ; and spent the 
evening at a large party given by IVfrs. Lloyd. On Sunday he 
attended divine service in the Church in Brattle-street, and in 
Trinity Church. During the intermission he visited General 
Hull and Lady, at the residence of Mr. McLellan, in Winthrop- 
place, where he met his old companions in arms. General 
Cobb, General Huntington, Colonel Putnam, and others. — He 
then visited General Dearborn, and Honourable T. L. Winthrop, 
at their residences. In the afternoon he visited the country 
house of the Honourable Thomas H. Perkins, at Brookline. 
In the evening be called on Mrs. Ticknor, in Common-street, 
paid his respects to Madame Humphreys, the relict of his friend 
and companion in arms. General H. at her residence on Mount 
Vernon, and passed the residue of the evening at Mrs. Richard 
Derby's, in Chesnut-street. 

On Monday he breakfasted with Brigadier General Lyman. 
About noon visited the Massachusetts General Hospital, in 
company with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the Mayor, 
General Lallemande, Colonel M'Lane, Dr. Mitchell, Sic. — He 
was received by the President, Directors, and Physicians ; ex- 
amined all parts of the Hospital, and expressed the high grati- 
fication he felt in the contemplation of the benefits to humanity 
flowing from this extensive and useful institution. He then 
visited the New-England Museum ; received several deputa- 
tions at his residence, dined with the Mechanic Association at 
4 o'clock, and visited the Theatre in the evening. 

On Tuesday morning, about 9 o'clock, the General and his 
suite, accompanied by Colonels Quincy and Davis, of the Go- 
vernor's stafF, set out from Mr. Lloyd's on his Eastern journey. 

The Legislature of IMassachusetts have made provision for 
paying the expenses of Lafayette's late visit to Boston out of the 
State Treasury. .Grants have also been made to the survivers 
of Bunker Hill battle who attended the late celebration, of three 
dollars each, and one dollar for every twenty miles travel. 



THE END. 



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